CO 2 capture and utilization (CCU) technologies have been recognized as crucial strategies for mitigating global warming, reducing carbon emission, and promoting resource circularity. As such, the design and development of related materials have attracted considerable research attention. Carbon-based materials, characterized by tunable pore structures, abundant active sites, high specific surface area, and excellent chemical stability, demonstrate significant potential for applications in CO 2 capture and utilization. This review systematically analyzes the adsorption behaviors and performance variations of typical carbon materials, including activated carbon, porous carbon, graphene, and carbon nanotubes during CO 2 capture processes. Concerning CO 2 utilization, emphasis is placed on recent advances in the catalytic applications of carbon-based materials in key reactions such as methanation, reverse water-gas shift, dry reforming of methane, and alcohol synthesis. Moreover, the benefits and drawbacks of carbon materials in terms of CO 2 adsorption capacity, catalytic activity, and stability are thoroughly evaluated, and their potential applications in integrated CO 2 capture and utilization technologies are discussed. Finally, key strategies for enhancing the performance of carbonaceous materials through structural modulation and surface modification are elucidated. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance for the future development and large-scale implementation of carbon-based materials in CCU technologies.
FU et al. (2026) studied this question.