Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the most well-known gases in our atmosphere. While today it plays a central role in numerous industrial applications, it was long considered an unused "waste product." But how has our perception of CO₂ changed over the centuries? In this article, we take a look at the fascinating history of this gas—from its discovery to its industrial use and modern sustainable applications. 

(Picture source: Freepik)

When was CO₂ discovered? 

The history of carbon dioxide begins in the 17th century with the Flemish chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont. He conducted experiments with burnt wood and observed the emergence of a "wild gas," which he called "gas sylvestre." This discovery laid the foundation for the later understanding of CO₂. In the 18th century, Scottish chemist Joseph Black further studied the gas and named it "fixed air." He found that CO₂ was heavier than air and did not support combustion. His experiments led to a deeper understanding of gases and paved the way for modern chemistry. As chemistry advanced and a standardized nomenclature was introduced, CO₂ came to be classified as an oxide of carbon. In the German language, this became "Kohlendioxid" – the oxide of carbon with two oxygen atoms. 

(Historical illustration of Jan Baptist van Helmont from the 18th century. Symbolic image for the discovery of CO₂ and the development of modern chemistry, Source: Wikipedia)

CO₂ in industrial revolution 

With the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, human-generated CO₂ emissions increased significantly. The burning of fossil fuels in factories and power plants released large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At the time, CO₂ was still scarcely regarded as a valuable resource—it was simply a byproduct of industrialization. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that CO₂ began to be recognized for its potential. The beverage industry started using it for carbonating mineral water and soft drinks—a process that remains widespread today. 

(Fizzy drink with ice cubes in a glass – symbolic image of CO₂ use in the beverage industry for carbonation. Source: freepik – rawpixel.com)

CO₂ as part of industrial processes

In the 20th century, CO₂ gained increasing importance in various industrial processes. In the food industry, it was used in its solid form—“dry ice,” which has a temperature of nearly -80°C—as a cooling agent for frozen and fresh products. In the food & beverage sector, CO₂ is also commonly used in so-called PEX systems (Pressure Expansion) for pest control. Products are exposed to high pressure (up to 30 bar) in the presence of CO₂ for a certain time. When the pressure is suddenly released, storage pests (e.g., beetles, moths, mites) and their larvae and eggs are destroyed—without affecting product quality. This food-safe method is residue-free and toxicologically harmless. CO₂ is also used for food preservation by displacing oxygen (O₂) from packaging to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. In the chemical industry, CO₂ has been used on a large scale for producing urea—a key component of fertilizers for agriculture. Another milestone was the development of CO₂-based fire extinguishers, which allowed fires to be fought without the damage caused by water or chemical residues. CO₂ also found medical applications, such as insufflation during endoscopic procedures. Since the 1960s, CO₂ has also been used in greenhouses to enhance plant growth and increase crop yields. By enriching the air with CO₂, the photosynthetic performance of many plant species can be significantly improved. In light-intensive crops such as tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers, this leads to faster growth and greater productivity.

Drinking Water Treatment with CO₂  

In many regions around the world, desalinating seawater is the only way to obtain drinking water. However, converting saltwater into usable drinking water is complex—especially regulating the pH level after desalination is critical for water quality. This is where carbon dioxide (CO₂) comes in: it is used to adjust the pH level, bringing the water to a neutral state and preventing corrosion in pipelines. To ensure a reliable and sustainable CO₂ supply, on-site CO₂ recovery systems are often integrated into such projects when possible. This solution offers both ecological and economic advantages and ensures the supply of high-quality drinking water—even in water-scarce areas.

CO₂ and climate change

As awareness of climate change grew, CO₂ came under increased scrutiny as a so-called “greenhouse gas” with harmful effects. In the 1950s, scientists like Charles Keeling began systematically measuring the rise in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations. The Keeling Curve, showing the steady increase of CO₂ levels, remains a key symbol of climate change today. The discussion around CO₂ shifted: while it had previously been regarded mainly as a useful gas for industrial processes, it became increasingly associated with environmental concerns. This prompted a shift in politics and industry, seeking ways to reduce CO₂ emissions. Governments now pursue various strategies to cut emissions: expanding renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro to replace fossil fuels; investing in Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies that capture, store, or reuse CO₂—e.g., in industry or building materials; and promoting energy efficiency, electric mobility, and industrial transformation as part of national and international climate strategies.

CO₂ as a Valuable Resource for New Applications 

In recent years, the perspective on CO₂ has shifted once more. Instead of viewing it solely as a harmful greenhouse gas, researchers and companies are working to harness it as a valuable resource. Technologies for CO₂ capture and storage (CCS) and for its utilization (CCU) are gaining momentum. Modern applications include the production of synthetic fuels for cars (eFuels) and airplanes (SAF – Sustainable Aviation Fuels), using CO₂ in concrete manufacturing to reduce cement consumption, and developing biological methods where microorganisms convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals. These innovations could help lower atmospheric CO₂ levels while promoting sustainable production methods.

Conclusion 

The history of CO₂ illustrates how our perception of a single gas can evolve over time. From a modest scientific discovery to an industrial waste product and finally to a valuable resource—CO₂ has undergone a remarkable transformation. While the challenges of climate change persist, modern technologies offer new opportunities to not only reduce CO₂ emissions but to actively use it for a sustainable future.