Non-Thermal Plasma-Assisted Catalysis for Carbon Neutrality

To achieve carbon neutrality, or attain a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050, various technologies are required to balance carbon emissions with carbon removal (carbon offsetting) and reduce carbon emissions (low-carbon economy). Catalysis plays a significant role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions through novel concepts of converting carbon dioxide to value-added chemicals and enabling energy-efficient processes. The UK Catalysis Hub has advanced the development of both carbon utilisation and energy-efficient conversions with low emissions, which will contribute to achieving carbon neutrality in the future. This chapter presents a critical review of one of the recent promising technologies in catalytic carbon dioxide conversion, i.e., non-thermal plasma-assisted catalysis under mild conditions. General backgrounds of plasma technology and hybrid plasma catalysis processes are first discussed, followed by a discussion on the state of the art of the plasma-assisted CO₂ removal and reutilisation. Finally, recent achievements by the UK Catalysis Hub projects and future challenges in relevant fields are summarised.