Origin,discovery,exploration and development status and prospect of global natural hydrogen under the background of“carbon neutrality”

Global energy structure is experiencing the third transition from fossil energy to non-fossil energy,to solve future energy problems,cope with climate change,and achieve net-zero emissions targets by 2050.Hydrogen is considered to be the most potential clean energy in this century under the background of carbon neutrality.At present,the industrial methods for producing hydrogen are mainly by steam-hydrocarbon(such as coal and natural gas)reforming and by electrolysis of water,while the exploration and development of natural hydrogen had just started.According to this literature review:(1)Natural hydrogen can be divided into three categories,including free hydrogen,hydrogen in inclusions and dissolved hydrogen;(2)natural hydrogen could be mainly from abiotic origins such as by deep-seated hydrogen generation,water-rock reaction or water radiolysis;(3)natural hydrogen is widely distributed and presents great potential,and the potential natural hydrogen sources excluding deep source of hydrogen is about(254±91)×10^(9) m^(3)/a according to a latest estimate;(4)at present,natural hydrogen has been mined in Mali,and the exploration and development of natural hydrogen has also been carried out in Australia,Brazil,the United States and some European countries,to find many favorable areas and test some technical methods for natural hydrogen exploration.Natural hydrogen is expected to be an important part of hydrogen energy production in the future energy pattern.Based on a thorough literature review,this study introduced the origin,classification,and global discovery of natural hydrogen,as well as summarized the current global status and discussed the possibility of natural hydrogen exploration and development,aiming to provide reference for the future natural hydrogen exploration and development.

Enabling heterogeneous catalysis to achieve carbon neutrality: Directional catalytic conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids

The increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions has exacerbated the deterioration of the global environment,which should be controlled to achieve carbon neutrality.Central to the core goal of achieving carbon neutrality is the utilization of CO_(2) under economic and sustainable conditions.Recently,the strong need for carbon neutrality has led to a proliferation of studies on the direct conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids,which can effectively alleviate CO_(2) emissions and create high-value chemicals.The purpose of this review is to present the application prospects of carboxylic acids and the basic principles of CO_(2) conversion into carboxylic acids through photo-,electric-,and thermal catalysis.Special attention is focused on the regulation strategy of the activity of abundant catalysts at the molecular level,inspiring the preparation of high-performance catalysts.In addition,theoretical calculations,advanced technologies,and numerous typical examples are introduced to elaborate on the corresponding process and influencing factors of catalytic activity.Finally,challenges and prospects are provided for the future development of this field.It is hoped that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids and inspire more innovative breakthroughs.

Recent advances in nickel-based catalysts in eCO_(2)RR for carbon neutrality

The excessive use of nonrenewable energy has brought about serious greenhouse effect.Converting CO_(2) into high-value-added chemicals is undoubtedly the best choice to solve energy problems.Due to the excellent cost-effectiveness and dramatic catalytic performance,nickel-based catalysts have been considered as the most promising candidates for the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(eCO_(2)RR).In this work,the electrocatalytic reduction mechanism of CO_(2) over Ni-based materials is reviewed.The strategies to improve the eCO_(2)RR performance are emphasized.Moreover,the research on Ni-based materials for syngas generation is briefly summarized.Finally,the prospects of nickel-based materials in the eCO_(2)RR are provided with the hope of improving transition-metal-based electrocatalysts for eCO_(2)RR in the future.

Connotation,pathway and significance of carbon neutrality“super energy system”:A case study of the Ordos Basin,NW China

Super oil and gas basins provide the energy foundation for social progress and human development.In the context of climate change and carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals,constructing an integrated energy and carbon neutrality system that balances energy production and carbon reduction becomes crucial for the transformation of such basins.Under the framework of a green and intelligent energy system primarily based on“four news”,new energy,new electricity,new energy storage,and new intelligence,integrating a“super energy system”composed of a huge amount of underground resources of coal,oil,gas and heat highly overlapping with abundant wind and solar energy resources above ground,and a regional intelligent energy consumption system with coordinated development and utilization of fossil energy and new energy,with a carbon neutrality system centered around carbon cycling is essential.This paper aims to select the traditional oil and gas basins as“super energy basins”with the conditions to build world-class energy production and demonstration bases for carbon neutrality.The Ordos Basin has unique regional advantages,including abundant fossil fuel and new energy resources,as well as matching CO_(2)sources and sinks,position it as a carbon neutrality“super energy basin”which explores the path of transformation of traditional oil and gas basins.Under the integrated development concept and mode of“coal+oil+gas+new energy+carbon capture,utilization and storage(CCUS)/carbon capture and storage(CCS)”,the carbon neutrality in super energy basin is basically achieved,which enhance energy supply and contribute to the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals,establish a modern energy industry and promote regional green and sustainable development.The pioneering construction of the world-class carbon neutrality“super energy system”demonstration basin in China represented by the Ordos Basin will reshape the new concept and new mode of exploration and development of super energy basins,which is of great significance to the global energy revolution under carbon neutrality.

A Unifi ed View of Carbon Neutrality:Solar-Driven Selective Upcycling of Waste Plastics

With the rapid development of plastic production and consumption globally,the amount of post-consumer plastic waste has reached levels that have posed environmental threats.Considering the substantial CO_(2)emissions throughout the plastic lifecycle from material production to its disposal,photocatalysis is considered a promising strategy for eff ective plastic recycling and upcycling.It can upgrade plastics into value-added products under mild conditions using solar energy,realizing zero carbon emissions.In this paper,we explain the basics of photocatalytic plastic reformation and underscores plastic feedstock reformation pathways into high-value-added products,including both degradation into CO_(2)followed by reformation and direct reformation into high-value-added products.Finally,the current applications of transforming plastic waste into fuels,chemicals,and carbon materials and the outlook on upcycling plastic waste by photocatalysis are presented,facilitating the realization of carbon neutrality and zero plastic waste.

Emission-side drivers affecting carbon neutrality based on vegetation carbon sequestration:Evidence from China

To address climate change,the world needs deep decarbonization to achieve carbon neutrality(CN),which implies net-zero human-caused CO_(2) emissions in the atmosphere.This study used emission-side drivers,including socioeconomic and net primary productivity(NPP)-based factors,to determine the changes in CN based on vegetation carbon sequestration in the case of China during 2001-2015.Spatial exploratory analysis as well as the combined use of production-theoretical decomposition analysis(PDA)and an econometric model were also utilized.We showed that CN was significantly spatially correlated over the study period;Yunnan,Heilongjiang,and Jilin presented positive spatial autocorrelations,whereas Guizhou showed a negative spatial autocorrelation.More than half of CN declined over the period during which potential energy intensity(PEIE)and energy usage technological change were the largest negative and positive drivers for increasing CN.PEIE played a significantly negative role in increasing CN.We advise policymakers to focus more on emission-side drivers(e.g.,energy intensity)in addition to strengthening NPP management to achieve CN.

Evolution and Characteristics of "Carbon Neutrality Movies"

"Carbon neutrality movies"are movies that focus on carbon neutrality as the object of expression and dissemination.Using carbon neutrality as an element,it influences the development of the plot,reflects environmental changes,and focuses on climate change caused by carbon emissions.At the same time,it focuses on offsetting carbon emissions through carbon neutrality behavior,showcasing the impact of carbon neutrality.From the perspective of ecological movies,the evolution of carbon neutrality movies at three stages can be explored.The first stage is high-carbon movies that reflect the high conflict between humans and the natural environment.The second stage is low-carbon movies,reflecting humanity's pursuit of a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature,thus adopting green and low-carbon behaviors.The third stage is carbon neutrality movies,which awaken or guide the public to pay attention to carbon emissions,promote low-carbon living,guide life practice in a carbon neutrality way,and create a better life.There are three characteristics of"carbon neutrality movies",including scientific reflection on global warming,advocating energy conservation and emission reduction in daily life,and promoting clean energy in policies.

Carbon neutrality:China's energy transition over the past decade

China's energy transition is based on accelerating the construction of a clean,low-carbon,safe,and efficient new energy system(Fig.1),providing strong energy security for economic and social development;focusing on ecological civilization construction,and accelerating the formation of a new energy consumption model that is efficient,green,inclusive,and beneficial,while promoting carbon reduction,pollution reduction,expansion of green spaces,and economic growth.

Emerging CCER Scheme Promotes Carbon Neutrality

THE China Certified Emission Reduction(CCER)scheme is a vital channel that is helping China and its enterprises achieve carbon neutrality.At the same time,it is also promoting the development of the carbon market and low-cost emission reduction.Since an interim administrative document on voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading was issued in 2012,a relatively complete operating and management system has been established and a constant flow of trading has been carried out.

Central environmental protection inspection and carbon emission reduction: A tripartite evolutionary game model from the perspective of carbon neutrality

Since the carbon neutrality target was proposed,many countries have been facing severe challenges to carbon emission reduction sustainably.This study is conducted using a tripartite evolutionary game model to explore the impact of the central environmental protection inspection(CEPI)on driving carbon emission reduction,and to study what factors influence the strategic choices of each party and how they interact with each other.The research results suggest that local governments and manufacturing enterprises would choose strategies that are beneficial to carbon reduction when CEPI increases.When the initial willingness of all parties increases 20%,50%—80%,the time spent for the whole system to achieve stability decreases from 100%,60%—30%.The evolutionary result of“thorough inspection,regulation implementation,low-carbon management”is the best strategy for the tripartite evolutionary game.Moreover,the smaller the cost and the larger the benefit,the greater the likelihood of the three-party game stability strategy appears.This study has important guiding significance for other developing countries to promote carbon emission reduction by environmental policy.

Gleaning insights from German energy transition and large-scale underground energy storage for China’s carbon neutrality

The global energy transition is a widespread phenomenon that requires international exchange of experiences and mutual learning.Germany’s success in its first phase of energy transition can be attributed to its adoption of smart energy technology and implementation of electricity futures and spot marketization,which enabled the achievement of multiple energy spatial–temporal complementarities and overall grid balance through energy conversion and reconversion technologies.While China can draw from Germany’s experience to inform its own energy transition efforts,its 11-fold higher annual electricity consumption requires a distinct approach.We recommend a clean energy system based on smart sector coupling(ENSYSCO)as a suitable pathway for achieving sustainable energy in China,given that renewable energy is expected to guarantee 85%of China’s energy production by 2060,requiring significant future electricity storage capacity.Nonetheless,renewable energy storage remains a significant challenge.We propose four large-scale underground energy storage methods based on ENSYSCO to address this challenge,while considering China’s national conditions.These proposals have culminated in pilot projects for large-scale underground energy storage in China,which we believe is a necessary choice for achieving carbon neutrality in China and enabling efficient and safe grid integration of renewable energy within the framework of ENSYSCO.

International experience of carbon neutrality and prospects of key technologies:Lessons for China

Carbon neutrality(or climate neutrality)has been a global consensus,and international experience exchange is essential.Given the differences in the degree of social development,resource endowment and technological level,each country should build a carbon-neutral plan based on its national conditions.Compared with other major developed countries(e.g.,Germany,the United States and Japan),China's carbon neutrality has much bigger challenges,including a heavy and time-pressured carbon reduction task and the current energy structure that is over-dependent on fossil fuels.Here we provide a comprehensive review of the status and prospects of the key technologies for low-carbon,near-zero carbon,and negative carbon emissions.Technological innovations associated with coal,oil-gas and hydrogen industries and their future potential in reducing carbon emissions are particularly explained and assessed.Based on integrated analysis of international experience from the world's major developed countries,in-depth knowledge of the current and future technologies,and China's energy and ecological resources potential,five lessons for the implementation of China's carbon neutrality are proposed:(1)transformation of energy production pattern from a coal-dominated pattern to a diversified renewable energy pattern;(2)renewable power-to-X and large-scale underground energy storage;(3)integration of green hydrogen production,storage,transport and utilization;(4)construction of clean energy systems based on smart sector coupling(ENSYSCO);(5)improvement of ecosystem carbon sinks both in nationwide forest land and potential desert in Northwest China.This paper provides an international perspective for a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of carbon neutrality in China,and can serve as a theoretical foundation for medium-long term carbon neutral policy formulation.

Prospects for the transformation and development of carbon storage in abandoned mines of coal enterprises from the perspective ofcarbon neutrality

Under the carbon neutrality goal,coal enterprises must seek breakthroughs from abandoned mines,develop new resources in the new era,turn problems into countermeasures,and participate in the carbon emissions market,for contributing to the accomplishment of the national strategic goal of carbon neutrality.To this end,we investigated the relevant national policies and regulations to clarify the boundaries disclosed by the carbon information of enterprises,understood the development direction of carbon storage in abandoned mines,and clarified the transformation and development of carbon storage in aban-doned mines.We made a few suggestions:(1)China should learn from its past experience and other countries to develop the energy industry with Chinese characteristics and reform the economic system.(2)Coal enterprises must actively respond to the national carbon information disclosure policy,clarify their own responsibilities and carbon emission boundaries.(3)It is necessary to proactively obtain advanced knowledge and plan carbon storage pathways for abandoned mines.(4)Devel-opment problems of coal enterprises should be deduced using cases.The'dual carbon'goals should be achieved steadily step-by-step.(5)Three measures,i.e.improving the existing resource structure,coordinating the information of abandoned mines,and promoting the cultivation of scientific and technological talents.

Development,challenges and strategies of natural gas industry under carbon neutral target in China

In the mid-21st century,natural gas will enter its golden age,and the era of natural gas is arriving.This paper reviews the development stages of global natural gas industry and the enlightenment of American shale gas revolution,summarizes the development history and achievements of the natural gas industry in China,analyzes the status and challenges of natural gas in the green and low-carbon energy transition,and puts forward the natural gas industry development strategies under carbon neutral target in China.The natural gas industry in China has experienced three periods:start,growth,and leap forward.At present,China has become the fourth largest natural gas producer and third largest natural gas consumer in the world,and has made great achievements in natural gas exploration and development theory and technology,providing important support for the growth of production and reserves.China has set its goal of carbon neutrality to promote green and sustainable development,which brings opportunities and challenges for natural gas industry.Natural gas has significant low-carbon advantages,and gas-electric peak shaving boosts new energy development;the difficulty and cost of development are more prominent.For the national energy security and harmonious development between economy and ecology under the carbon neutral goal,based on the principle of"comprehensive planning,technological innovation,multi-energy complementarity,diversified integration,flexibility and efficiency,optimization and upgrading",the construction of the production-supplystorage-marketing system has to be improved so as to boost the development of the natural gas industry.First,it is necessary to strengthen efforts in the exploration and development of natural gas,making projects and arrangement in key exploration and development areas,meanwhile,it is urgent to make breakthroughs in key science theories and technologies,so as to increase reserve and production.Second,it should promote green and innovative development of the natural gas by developing new techniques,expanding new fields and integrating with new energy.Third,there is a demand to realize transformation and upgrading of the supply and demand structure of natural gas by strengthening the layout of pipeline gas,liquefied natural gas and the construction of underground gas storage,establishing reserve system for improving abilities of emergency response and adjustment,raising the proportion of natural gas in the primary energy consumption and contributing to the transformation of energy consumption structure,realizing low-carbon resources utilization and clean energy consumption.

CO_(2) electrolysis to formic acid for carbon neutralization

To avoid carbonate precipitation for CO_(2) electrolysis,developing CO_(2) conversion in an acid electrolyte is viewed as an ultimately challenging technology.In Nature,Xia et al.recently explored a proton-exchange membrane system for reducing CO_(2) to formic acid with a Pb±Pb SO_(4) composite catalyst derived from waste lead-acid batteries based on the lattice carbon activation mechanism.Up to 93%Faradaic efficiency was realized when formic acid was produced by this technology.

Progress, challenge and significance of building a carbon industry system in the context of carbon neutrality strategy

Carbon dioxide storage and utilization has become an inevitable trend and choice for sustainable development under the background of global climate change and carbon neutrality.Carbon industry which is dominated by CO_(2) capture,utilization and storage/CO_(2) capture and storage(CCUS/CCS)is becoming a new strategic industry under the goal of carbon neutrality.The sustainable development of carbon industry needs to learn from the experiences of global oil and gas industry development.There are three types of“carbon”in the earth system.Black carbon is the CO_(2) that has not been sequestered or used and remains in the atmosphere for a long time;grey carbon is the CO_(2) that has been fixed or permanently sequestered in the geological body,and blue carbon is the CO_(2) that could be converted into products for human use through biological,physical,chemical and other ways.The carbon industry system covers carbon generation,carbon capture,carbon transportation,carbon utilization,carbon sequestration,carbon products,carbon finance,and other businesses.It is a revolutionary industrial field to completely eliminate“black carbon”.The development of carbon industry technical system takes carbon emission reduction,zero carbon,negative carbon and carbon economy as the connotation,and the construction of a low-cost and energy-efficient carbon industry system based on CCUS/CCS are strategic measures to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality and clean energy utilization globally.This will promote the“four 80%s”transformation of China's energy supply,namely,to 2060,the percentage of zero-carbon new energy in the energy consumption will be over 80%and the CO_(2) emission will be decreased by 80%to ensure the carbon emission reduction of total 80×10^(8) t from the percentage of carbon-based fossil energy in the energy consumption of over 80%,and the percentage of CO_(2) emission from energy of over 80%in 2021.The carbon industry in China is facing three challenges,large CO_(2) emissions,high percentage of coal in energy consumption,and poor innovative system.Three strategic measures are proposed accordingly,including:(1)unswervingly develop carbon industrial system and ensure the achievement of carbon neutrality as scheduled by 2060;(2)vigorously develop new energy sources and promote a revolutionary transformation of China’s energy production and consumption structure;(3)accelerate the establishment of scientific and technological innovation system of the whole CO_(2) industry.It is of great significance for continuously optimization of ecological environment and construction of green earth and ecological earth to develop the carbon industry system,utilize clean energy,and achieve the strategic goal of global carbon neutrality.

Green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality

The concept of“carbon neutrality”poses a huge challenge for chemical engineering and brings great opportunities for boosting the development of novel technologies to realize carbon offsetting and reduce carbon emissions.Developing high-efficient,low-cost,energy-efficient and eco-friendly microfluidicbased microchemical engineering is of great significance.Such kind of“green microfluidics”can reduce carbon emissions from the source of raw materials and facilitate controllable and intensified microchemical engineering processes,which represents the new power for the transformation and upgrading of chemical engineering industry.Here,a brief review of green microfluidics for achieving carbon neutral microchemical engineering is presented,with specific discussions about the characteristics and feasibility of applying green microfluidics in realizing carbon neutrality.Development of green microfluidic systems are categorized and reviewed,including the construction of microfluidic devices by bio-based substrate materials and by low carbon fabrication methods,and the use of more biocompatible and nondestructive fluidic systems such as aqueous two-phase systems(ATPSs).Moreover,low carbon applications benefit from green microfluidics are summarized,ranging from separation and purification of biomolecules,high-throughput screening of chemicals and drugs,rapid and cost-effective detections,to synthesis of fine chemicals and novel materials.Finally,challenges and perspectives for further advancing green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality are proposed and discussed.

Recovery of greenhouse gas as cleaner fossil fuel contributes to carbon neutrality

Under the context of carbon neutrality of China,it is urgent to shift our energy supply towards cleaner fuels as well as to reduce the greenhouse gas emission.Currently,coal is the main fossil fuel energy source of China.The country is striving hard to replace it with methane,a cleaner fossil fuel.Although China has rich geological resources of methane as coal bed methane(CBM)reserves,it is quite challenging to utilize them due to low concentration.The CBM is however mainly emitted directly to atmosphere during coal mining,causing waste of the resource and huge contribution to greenhouse effect.The recent work by Yang et al.demonstrated a potential solution to extract low concentration methane selectively from CBM through using MOF materials as sorbents.Such kind of materials and associated separation technology are promising to reduce greenhouse gas emission and promote the methane production capability,which would contribute to carbon neutrality in dual pathways.

Review on the challenges and strategies in oil and gas industry's transition towards carbon neutrality in China

In light of carbon-neutral pledge, the oil and gas industry has been facing several critical new challenges in China. The current status and new challenges in terms of market mechanism reform, supply-consumption balance and key technology innovation in China's oil and gas industry are reviewed in the present study, and new strategies and roadmaps are proposed to cope with the challenges. The study found that (i) the oil and gas market faces challenges such as incomplete pricing mechanisms, unclear subject rights, and the lack of recognition and trading of carbon assets. (ii) the trade-off between short-term supply security and long-term low-carbon supply is the most critical issue. (iii) in addition to typical challenges such as immature technology and lack of funding support, the unclear multiple technology coupling development mode also poses problems for the low-carbon transformation of the oil and gas industry. To address these new challenges, comprehensive strategies and roadmaps for China's oil and gas industry towards carbon neutrality are proposed and discussed in the aspects of participating in market transactions, restructuring production and consumption, deploying key technology innovations, and planning enterprise strategies. The present study is expected to provide a blueprint for the future development of China's oil and gas industry towards carbon neutrality.

A Deeper Understanding of the CO_(2)Emission Pathway Under China’s Carbon Emission Peak and Carbon Neutrality Goals

Achieving carbon neutrality is crucial in dealing with climate change and containing the increase in global temperature at below 1.5℃compared with preindustrial levels.During the general debate at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020,President Xi Jinping announced that China would adopt more vigorous policies and measures against climate change.