Answer :
Supercritical CO2 offers advantages for commercial and medical uses due to its non-toxic nature, low environmental impact, and ability to act as a solvent that leaves no hazardous residue, making it an increasingly popular choice in various industries.
The advantage that carbon dioxide (CO2) has over C25, which could refer to a type of fuel or other chemical compound, is likely rooted in the unique properties of CO2, especially when it is in its supercritical form (scCO2).
When considering energy content and environmental impact, CO2 has a lower energy density (5-8 kcal/g) compared to natural gas (typically composed of methane, which has an energy density of 13 kcal/g) and a higher CO2-to-fuel mass ratio (3.67) as compared to natural gas (2.75), indicating a heavier environmental footprint for CO2 when burned as fuel.
However, the use of supercritical CO2 specifically has grown in popularity for commercial and medical uses because of its ability to act as a solvent without leaving hazardous residues, allowing for effective product separation and solvent-free synthesis, which is particularly beneficial in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
Furthermore, supercritical CO2 is non-toxic, low-cost, and not considered a pollutant. Its critical temperature and pressure are relatively low, making it ideal for certain applications like Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC).
The volatility of CO2, its ability to be recovered after use, and low toxicity contribute to its ecological and economic advantages. CO2 can also be obtained as a byproduct of biological fermentation processes, enhancing its sustainability.
Additionally, CO2 exhibits higher solubility in water compared to gases like O2 and N2, which can be attributed to its physical properties and interactions with water molecules.
