Transforming waste to wealth: Harnessing carbon dioxide for sustainable solutions

The escalating levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions present a critical challenge to global sustainability, considering that CO2 is the primary cause of climate change. This dilemma presents a unique opportunity: converting waste CO₂ into useful resources. This review provides an in-depth analysis of CO₂ sources and waste streams, examining their potential as feedstocks for various industrial processes. By reviewing cutting-edge conversion technologies—such as catalysis, electrochemical, and photochemical methods—this work emphasizes how revolutionary ideas in Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) can play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while generating both environmental and economic advantages. Through a systematic review of case studies and success stories in Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), the review illustrates the practical viability of these technologies. Additionally, the challenges facing CCU implementation, including economic, technical, and policy-related barriers, are explored. The review fills a critical gap by providing a comprehensive overview of both the current state and future potential of CO₂ utilization. Finally, it outlines future directions, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches, policy frameworks, and technological advancements to fully realize the potential of harnessing CO₂ for sustainable solutions.