Development of science and technology in thermochemical reaction engineering
Most industrial chemical processes involve thermochemical reactions,that are primarily induced or driven by heat(or heating).These reactions are found in many industrial sectors,including waste management,metallurgy,power generation,heat supply,building material manufacture and so on.Thermochemical reactions are also the earliest chemical reactions that humans have recognized.They are essential to the processing of resources,the conversion of energy,and the technologies required for a circular economy.Additionally,thermochemical reactions are the main source of CO2 emissions,accounting for 90%of the total carbon emissions.For the goal of"carbon neutrality",the innovation of thermochemical reaction science and technology should play major roles.The concept of"thermochemical reaction engineering"was proposed to refer to the science and technology for engineering chemical reactions.A highlight was made to identify the major advancements in science or technology for typical and great industries created based on thermochemical reactions.An analysis was also made to understand the opportunities for further techno-scientific innovations in"thermochemical reaction engineering"and their potential contributions to the strategy of"carbon neutrality".Through carbon reduction,carbon substitution,and carbon recycling enabled by various innovatively new thermochemical reaction technologies,it was shown that an annual cut of up to 6 billion CO2 was potentially possible in the industrial sectors of China,especially from those"super emitters"of carbon dioxide.