Limitations in converting waste gases to fuels and chemicals

Abstract

Carbon dioxide remediation is of vital importance in mitigating the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change. While various technologies have been presented in the literature, we argue that only by valorizing CO₂ capture can such technologies reach widespread adoption in the current geo-political disposition. One such option is CO₂ fixation by autotrophic bacteria into bio-diesel and commodity chemicals. While proof of concept technologies have been published in the literature, yet key limitations exist, including maximal yield of aerobic CO₂ fixation, and growth rates, productivities, and titers of anaerobic CO₂ fixation. Researchers are currently addressing these issues through metabolic engineering and the controlled supplementation of secondary metabolites.