Carbon dioxide elongatus" has been genetically engineered to produce the fuels isobutyraldehyde and isobutanol from using photosynthesis. Liquid and solid carbon dioxide are important refrigerants, especially in the food industry, where they are employed during the transportation and storage of ice cream and other frozen foods. Solid carbon dioxide is called "dry ice" and is used for small shipments where refrigeration equipment is not practical. Solid carbon dioxide is always below −78.5 °C at regular atmospheric pressure, regardless of the air temperature. The global automobile industry is expected to decide on the next-generation refrigerant in car air conditioning. is one discussed option.(see
Supercritical carbon dioxide selectively dissolve organic compounds and assist the functioning of enzymes, s has been suggested as a potential solvent to support biological activity on Venus- or super-Earth-type planets. Environmentally beneficial, low-cost substitutes for rigid thermoplastic and fired ceramic are made using s as a chemical reagent. The s in these processes is reacted with the alkaline components of fully hardened hydraulic cement or gypsum plaster to form various carbonates. The primary byproduct is water. Supercritical carbon dioxide is used in the foaming of polymers. Supercritical carbon dioxide can saturate the polymer with solvent. Upon depressurization and heating the carbon dioxide rapidly