Carbon dioxide [ Return towards Other gases ]
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a molecule that is made up of 2 Oxygen atoms (O) and one carbon atom (C). Carbon dioxide is present in the Earth’s atmosphere at a low concentration (0.038%, or 380 ppm).
It is produced during the reaction between Oxygen and carbon, notably during fermentation and respiration processes of living organisms, as well as the combustion of organic compounds, such as fossil fuels.
It is active during the photosynthesis process that enables plants to grow by transforming Oxygen.
Carbon dioxide was discovered in 1638 by Jan-Baptist van Helmont.
More about the history of carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide used in industry is recovered from the fumes emitted by industrial processes, whose concentration reaches at least 95%, such as ammonia and fertilizers production. In order to make it usable, all impurities are removed from the gas. The level of purity required depends on its intended use. For example, purity levels of 99.995% are often required in the food industry.
At normal temperature and pressure, Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas, with a nippy taste.
It dissolves readily in water, making it fizzy. For this reason, it is widely used in the food industry to carbonate beverages.
Carbon dioxide is also an inerting gas. Since it is heavier than air, it pushes Oxygen out when introduced into a confined environment such as a grain storage silo.
At the solid state (-78°C), solid Carbon dioxide (also known as dry ice) is a cold source that can be used as a cryogenic fluid (tissue conservation, deep freezing, etc.) as well as for fire extinction, since it is noncombustible.
Discover the various applications of Carbon dioxide
More about this gas: its physical-chemical properties
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