Ionic liquid-mediated CO2 conversion

The catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added products, such as fuels and chemicals, is an important aspect of sustainable energy conversion and storage. However, the efficiency of CO2 conversion and its selectivity toward a specific product has been proved to be challenging due to the chemical inertness and high energy required for CO2 conversion processes. Several aqueous and nonaqueous catalysts have been designed for the purpose of CO2 conversion. Ionic liquids have affinity for CO2 absorption and have recently received attention for their use as solvents, activating agents, electrolytes, and recyclable cocatalysts in CO2 conversion reactions due to their unique molecular structure and properties. Ionic liquids have been found to be active agents in catalyst systems employed in the thermochemical, electrochemical, and photochemical conversion of CO2 to fuels and valuable chemicals. This chapter particularly serves to highlight the important interaction between ILs and CO2, as well as provide an understanding of the role of ionic liquids as mediators in the conversion of CO2 via thermochemical, electrochemical, and photochemical conversion reactions.