Global trends and challenges in biogas purification and CO2 capture for renewable energy and climate mitigation

Abstract

Biogas purification technologies facilitate the production of value-added products such as biomethane and industrial chemicals. This review was based on the assumption that biogas purification is underrepresented in the literature despite its significant potential for clean energy and greenhouse gas mitigation, warranting a comprehensive bibliometric and scientometric analysis. Using data from Clarivate Analytics’ ISI Web of Science, the study examines research on biogas purification and CO2 capture. The results show relatively few in-depth publications, but there is growing interest in biogas as a sustainable alternative to natural gas and conventional fuels, driven by emission reduction goals. Key challenges include high costs, limited technological advances (e.g., membranes, chemical absorption), and insufficient regulatory support. The leading areas of publication are energy fuels, environmental engineering, and environmental sciences. China, UK, and the USA are major contributors; however, the EU leads in commercial deployment, reflecting more advanced integration into sustainable energy systems. In addition to biogas, the fermentation process produces organic residues with significant potential for valorization through nutrient recovery, composting, and extraction of high-value products, enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability. Biogas represents a promising solution for energy transition, sustainable development, and circular economy integration.