Carbon Dioxide-Mediated Chemical Processes in Aqueous Solutions.

The physical and chemical behavior of CO2 is key to understanding the ubiquity of inorganic carbon, which includes atmospheric CO2, dissolved CO2 in surface waters, and precipitated and mineralized carbonate in sediments and rock formations. These complex equilibria contribute to the global carbon cycle, inspiring novel CO2 applications. Because water is crucial in these equilibria, a comprehensive overview of CO2 reactivity in aqueous systems can help us to design and enhance the efficiencies of various artificial CO2-mediated processes. Here, we discuss the role of CO2 in responsive processes in, on, and with water, ranging from catalysis and organic synthesis to materials, surfactants, and carbon capture methods. These concepts are necessary for developing innovative smart materials, drug delivery systems, stimuli-controlled catalysis, novel environmental remediation processes, and new CO2 capture materials. We rationalize these recent examples in terms of mod of action of CO2 to recapitulate this rapidly developing field.