Global warming has become a major challenge facing human society, with carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions being its primary driver. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) represents a promising technology for mitigating CO₂ emissions from industrial and energy sectors. However, challenges such as high energy consumption, lengthy construction cycles, significant costs, and inadequate policy and market mechanisms hinder the widespread adoption of CCUS technology. This paper reviews the potential, applications, and related policies of CCUS technology, highlighting current research progress and obstacles. First, it provides a comprehensive overview of the CCUS technology framework, detailing developments and engineering applications in capture, transport, enhanced oil recovery, and storage technologies. Through global case studies and analysis, the review also examines advancements in CCUS infrastructure and technology strategies, along with operational experiences from major global projects. Second, it delves into the mechanisms, applications, and challenges of CCUS-related technologies, which are crucial for advancing their industrial deployment. It also outlines policy measures adopted by different countries to support CCUS technology development and large-scale deployment. Finally, it projects future directions for CCUS technology and policy development.

Developing and utilizing capture and storage technologies for CO₂ has become a critical research topic due to the significant greenhouse effect caused by excessive CO₂ emissions. A conventional physical absorption process for CO₂ capture is polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (NHD); however, its limited application range is caused by its poor absorption of CO₂ at low pressures. In this work, the CO₂ absorption of NHD was enhanced by combining NHD with a novel chemical absorbent 2-methylimidazole (2-mIm)-ethylene glycol (EG) solution to improve CO₂ absorption. Viscosity and CO₂ solubility were examined in various compositions. The CO₂ solubility in the mixed solution was found to be at maximum when the mass fractions of NHD, 2-mIm, and EG were 20%, 40%, and 40%, respectively. In comparison to pure NHD, the solubility of CO₂ in this mixed solution at 30 °C and 0.5 MPa increased by 161.2%, and the desorption heat was less than 30 kJ/mol. The complex solution exhibits high selectivity and favorable regeneration performance in the short term. However, it is more sensitive to moisture content. The results of this study can provide important data to support the construction of new low-energy solvent systems and the development of novel CO₂ capture processes.