International Conference on Carbon Capture and Utilization (ICCCU-24): A Platform to Sustainability and Net-Zero Goals

Abstract

The International Conference on Carbon Capture and Utilization (ICCCU-24; https://www.icccu24.com), held from December 9–13, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, emerged as a pivotal platform for addressing CO₂ mitigation and advancing solutions toward sustainability. (1) This conference was organized by the National Centre for Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCCCU) at JNCASR, one of the first Centres of Excellence (CoE) on Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) in India with a generous support of Department of Science and Technology (DST). This conference was planned with an intend to expedite shifting to a low-carbon economy by exchanging best practices, emerging technologies, and successful case studies emphasizing pragmatic solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration. This conference aims to unite scientists, engineers, innovators, policymakers, stakeholders in CCU, and leaders in a cooperative effort to address the issues of CO₂ emissions and climate change, promoting practical solutions for a sustainable future. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers, the conference underscored the critical role of CCU in achieving India’s ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2070. The major themes of the conference were Carbon Capture and Carbon Utilization (Figure 1). The ICCCU-24 convenor, Sebastian C Peter (JNCASR), pointed out in the opening session that “CCU is an important research activity as it can help reduce emissions and contribute to global decarbonization efforts. The cross-disciplinary training through the ICCCU-2024 will develop a deep understanding and problem-oriented approach in next-generation researchers working in different dimensions of CCU”. Figure 1. Overall themes of ICCCU-24. The first approach focused on theoretical studies, providing a fundamental background for CCU chemistry. Biswarup Pathak (IIT Indore), Ali Haider (IIT Delhi), and Vidya Avasare (Ashoka University) extensively discussed their computational explorations of CO₂ behavior through various pathways. (2,3) Soujanya Yarasi (CSIR-IICT) highlighted how quantum mechanical (QM) methods integrated with AI/ML techniques can predict the adsorption and interaction behaviors of amine solvents and solid adsorbent materials, enabling the optimization of CO₂ capture processes. (4) Vikram Vishal (IIT Bombay) and Rajnish Kumar (IIT Madras) discussed strategies for mitigating risks in CO₂-enhanced petroleum recovery and gas hydrates for capture and sequestration, respectively. (5,6) K. V. Agrawal (EPFL) explored membrane-based CO₂ capture, focusing on unit-cell-thick MOF membranes precisely tuned with Å-scale pore sizes. (7) These membranes enable a highly scalable and uniform CO₂ capture process. Raju Kumar Gupta (IIT Kanpur) emphasized the importance of solid sorbents, particularly nanostructured solid adsorbents for CO₂ capture. (8) His research aims to develop low-cost, low-temperature adsorbents, reducing energy and cost requirements. Additionally, he highlighted CO₂ conversion using Bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX) materials. Ranga Rao (IIT Madras) presented an innovative approach to CO₂ capture using waste biomass materials, such as coco-peat and chitosan, as sustainable sources for synthesizing activated porous carbons. (9) Coco-peat-derived carbon demonstrated CO₂ adsorption of up to 4.8 mmol g^–1 at 25 °C and 1 bar. He also discussed ultramicroporous carbons derived from chitosan hydrogels, which enable effective CO₂ capture and catalytic conversion using materials like Cu₂O films, mixed phases of BaTiO₃/BaTi₅O₁₁, and POM-based systems. (10) C.M. Nagaraja (IIT Ropar) highlighted the strategic design, synthesis, and catalytic performance of CO₂-philic framework materials. These materials integrate catalytic sites for efficient carbon capture and conversion directly from the air. (11) By facilitating simultaneous CO₂ fixation into high-value chemicals under mild conditions, these smart materials offer sustainable and practical solutions for carbon management and utilization. Carbon utilization was classified into three categories: electrochemical, thermochemical and photochemical. A more sustainable electro-synthetic route for graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C₃N₄ QDs) with size-tuned properties for enhanced electrochemical activity was proposed by Vijayamohanan K. Pillai (IISER Tirupati). (12) Addressing cathodic flooding, a major issue in electrochemical CO₂ reduction (eCO₂RR), Brian Seger (Technical University of Denmark) introduced a unique approach to study this phenomenon using synchrotron-based small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray fluorescence techniques. He also highlighted the advantages of CO electroreduction for enhanced stability and the use of Ni anodes, which avoid anodic corrosion of IrO₂ anodes and their deposition on the cathode, ultimately boosting hydrogen generation. (13,14) Peter Strasser (TU Berlin) discussed the challenges of direct air or flue gas CO₂ capture, emphasizing its necessity for atmospheric CO₂ reduction. He presented the electrochemically mediated amine regeneration (EMAR) technique to capture CO₂ via complexation and release it with proper mechanistic insights gained through operando mass spectrometry. (15) Prashanth W. Menezes (TU Berlin and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin) elaborated on the efficient design of catalysts and the tailored development of (pre)catalysts that dictate the formation of active catalysts under reaction conditions. He also explored strategies to reduce the overall full-cell potential of eCO₂RR, replacing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode with organic oxidation reactions (OOR). (16) Abhishek Dey (IACS) addressed the challenges posed by proton and oxygen reductions leading to hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which significantly diminish eCO₂RR. He presented exploratory research on iron porphyrin bioinspired artificial mimics for highly selective eCO₂RR, explaining how spin states, hydrogen bonding, and heterogenization influence the rate and selectivity of CO₂RR products such as CO, HCOOH, CH₃OH, CH₄, or C₂H₄. (17) Praveen Kumar (IACS) proposed an innovative approach to reduce HER and enhance CO₂ availability near the electrode surface by coating Bi 2D flakes with organic polyaniline (PANI). The amine groups in PANI attract acidic CO₂ molecules, reducing overpotential and improving the faradaic efficiency for formate production. (18) Chinmoy Ranjan (IISc Bangalore) introduced the use of solid oxide electrodes in eCO₂RR, elucidating their science through in situ Raman spectroscopy and in situ mass spectrometry techniques. (19) Pravin P. Ingole (IIT Delhi) discussed the exclusive design of nanocatalysts for efficient CO₂ capture and electro-reduction, along with probing the photoelectrochemical photocurrent polarity switching effect by tuning electrochemical interfaces. (20) These groundbreaking contributions highlight the multidisciplinary efforts to tackle challenges in CO₂ capture and utilization through advanced theoretical, experimental, and material design approaches. The photoconversion of CO₂ is a promising green approach for CO₂ mitigation. However, challenges related to efficiency and the limited availability of suitable materials were key topics addressed during the conference. Arnab Dutta (IIT Bombay) discussed an Mn-based molecular photocatalyst, [Mn(apap)₂Br₂], designed with a bulky multifunctional ligand to achieve efficient and selective CO₂ reduction under visible light. (21) Tapas Kumar Maji (JNCASR) highlighted MOF-based systems with tuned electronic and optical properties for delivering C2 products. (22) Ujjal Gautam and Tokeer Ahmed (Jamia Millia Islamia) presented strategies for designing advanced catalytic systems for decarbonization and CO₂ conversion, including MBenes, TMPs, MOFs, POPs, particularly COFs, and oxide-based heterostructured nanocatalysts. (23,24) Prashant V. Kamat (University of Notre Dame) addressed the unresolved chemistry and challenges of photochemical and electrochemical methods. He discussed the next-generation fabrication of photoelectrodes for designing more efficient photoelectrochemical devices, offering promising advancements in CO₂ photoconversion technologies. (25,26) Thermocatalytic CO₂ utilization is one of the most explored approaches; however, it is hindered by high energy demands due to the need for elevated temperatures and pressures, as well as the requirement for hydrogen. Kamal Kishore Pant (IIT Roorkee) presented his extensive research on thermochemical CO₂ hydrogenation to produce syngas, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and bio-oil, including methodologies designed for low-temperature and ambient conditions. (27) Majd Al-Naji (BasCat, TU Berlin) introduced biorefinery processes utilizing the cellulosic fraction and lignin. (28) Sudhanshu Sharma (IIT Gandhinagar) discussed methane production from CO₂ using geopolymer-supported Ru nanoparticles. (29) Subarna Maiti (CSIR-CSMCRI) highlighted the successful utilization of toxic agro-residues from cotton farming, unsuitable as fodder, for CO₂ applications. (30) Manirul Islam (Kalyani University) showcased nearly 99% selectivity in forming cyclic carbonates via cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides. (31,32) Joyanta Choudhury (IISER Bhopal) explored the hydride-transfer mechanism for CO₂ hydrogenation to fuels in depth, (33) while Abhijit Shrotri (Hokkaido University) emphasized the role of O-vacancy dynamics in oxides for CO₂ activation and selective methanol production. (34) Komal Tripathi (IIT Roorkee) provided insights into the challenges of CO₂ reduction to value-added products using experimental and theoretical (AI/ML) tools. Addressing the issue of metal dependency in catalysis, Swadhin Mandal (IISER Kolkata) presented affordable metal-free catalysts to achieve exceptional S-formylation of thiols using CO₂. (35) The adoption of CCU technologies in any country is intrinsically tied to public and governmental policies. The conference emphasized this critical aspect by including discussions from experts on policy frameworks and strategic implementations. Ajay Phatak (Ecological Society and Terre Policy Centre) provided a comprehensive overview of CCU in the context of industrial decarbonization, highlighting policy-driven opportunities and the nexus between renewable energy, hydrogen, and CCU. Swaminathan Sivaram (INSA Senior Scientist, IISER Pune) stressed the urgency of CCUS for India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. He underscored the need for low-carbon strategies, energy-efficient CO₂ mitigation methods, and innovative life-cycle assessments. R. R. Sonde (Professor Emeritus, BITS Group of Institutions) advocated for prioritizing renewable energy and energy efficiency in technological advancements. He projected that India would need Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies capable of handling 1500 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030 and removing approximately 80000 million tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere by 2070 for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Sukumar Devotta (Anna University) emphasized integrating green hydrogen from water electrolysis with CO₂ hydrogenation for enhanced sustainability. (36) Neelima Alam (CEST, DST) highlighted her extensive involvement in fostering global best practices through bilateral and multilateral collaborations, leveraging platforms such as Mission Innovation (MI) 1.0, Accelerating CCUS Technologies (ACT), CDR Mission MI 2.0, and the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP). These insights underscore the importance of robust policy frameworks and international collaboration in advancing CCU technologies to combat climate change effectively. The event featured a panel discussion on CCU, moderated by Kannan Srinivasan (Director, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Research Institute, Bhavnagar), which brought together experts to assess the current status, challenges, and future potential of CCU technologies in India. This engaging dialogue underscored CCU as a cornerstone of India’s climate strategy, emphasizing its pivotal role in reducing emissions and fostering sustainability. The conference also served as a platform for technology transfer and collaboration. V. K. Saraswat (Member, NITI Aayog) inaugurated the commissioning of a 500 kg/day CO₂-to-methanol plant at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant in Telangana, funded by CMPDI/CIL. This groundbreaking technology, developed by JNCASR and commissioned by Breathe, a JNCASR spin-off, represents a significant milestone in CCU innovation. Two collaborative projects were also inaugurated: CO₂-to-ethanol and ethylene, developed jointly by JNCASR and HPCL. CO₂-to-syngas, a collaboration between JNCASR and Tata Steel. Further, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Breathe, Mitocn, and Sadguru Sugars for the development of a 20 TPD CO₂-to-methanol plant. V. K. Saraswat emphasized the importance of raising awareness about CCU technologies and fostering robust partnerships between academic institutions and industries. By accelerating innovation and collaboration, he highlighted the transformative potential of CCU in addressing climate challenges effectively and advancing India’s sustainability goals. ICCCU-24 showcased the power of collective action in addressing one of the most urgent global challenges─climate change. It highlighted how international cooperation, fueled by shared objectives, can drive meaningful advancements. The conference not only propelled CCU technologies forward but also reinforced the global commitment to combating climate change through innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility. As the world strives for a sustainable future, ICCCU-24 stands as a beacon of how academic and industrial engagements can inspire real-world solutions, paving the way for a greener planet. The event successfully bridged the gap between seasoned experts and emerging researchers, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for advancing sustainability goals. During the closing session, it was announced that ICCCU-25 will be held from December 7–12, 2025, at the same location. The upcoming event aims to attract an even larger global audience from academia and industry, building on the success of its predecessor. ICCCU-25 will continue to strengthen international networks in CCU research and applications, focusing on driving sustainability and achieving Net Zero objectives. Financial support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) (Grant Number: DST/TMDEWO/CCUS/CoE/2020/JNCASR(C)), is acknowledged. S.C.P. thanks DST for the Swarna Jayanti Fellowship (Grant DST/SJF/CSA-02/2017-18) Sheikh Saud Laboratory for Career Fellowship. The organizers of the event thank various sponsors including DST, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Tata Steel, Trilok Corporation, Partek, Texol Engineering, American Chemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Breathe Applied Sciences, Spirare Energy, Mitcon, AdiChem technology and Smart Labtek. This article references 36 other publications. This article has not yet been cited by other publications.