Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas and an important greenhouse gas.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a chemical compound consisting of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. It appears as a colorless and odorless gas in the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle as well as in the Earth's climate system. With a density of about 1.98 kg/m³, CO₂ is heavier than air and has a molar mass of 44.01 g/mol. It dissolves well in water, forming the weakly acidic carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).

The occurrence of carbon dioxide has both natural and anthropogenic origins. Natural sources include processes such as cellular respiration, volcanism, and the decomposition of organic matter. Anthropogenic emissions mainly arise from the burning of fossil fuels and industrial activities. CO₂ is a critical greenhouse gas and, together with other emissions, contributes to global warming and climate change. The rising CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere, which has increased from pre-industrial 280 ppm to over 419 ppm, is one of the main causes of anthropogenic climate change.

Biologically, CO₂ plays a fundamental role in the metabolism of living organisms. It is the end product of cellular respiration and an important component of the bicarbonate buffering system, which helps regulate blood pH. Additionally, technical applications of CO₂ are found in the food industry for carbonating beverages and as a refrigerant in technical systems. To handle CO₂ emissions sustainably, it is necessary to reduce their release and develop innovative carbon capture and storage technologies.