Chemists at EPFL have developed an efficient process for converting carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a key ingredient of synthetic fuels and materials.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) produced when fossil fuels are burned is normally released into the atmosphere. Researchers working on synthetic fuels – also known as carbon-neutral fuels – are exploring ways to capture and recycle that CO2. At EPFL, this research is spearheaded by a team led by Professor Xile Hu at the Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis (LSCI). The chemists have recently made a landmark discovery, successfully developing a high-efficiency catalyst that converts dissolved CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO) – an essential ingredient of all synthetic fuels, as well as plastics and other materials. The researchers published their findings in Science on 14 June.
Replacing gold with iron
The new process is just as efficient as previous technologies, but with one major benefit. “To date, most catalysts have used atoms of precious metals such as gold,” explains Professor Hu. “But we’ve used iron atoms instead. At extremely low currents, our process achieves conversion rates of around 90%, meaning it performs on a par with precious-metal catalysts.”
“Our catalyst converts such a high percentage of CO2 into CO because we successfully stabilized iron atoms to achieve efficient CO2 activation,” adds Jun Gu, a PhD student and lead author of the paper. To help them understand why their catalyst was so highly active, the researchers called on a team led by Professor Hao Ming Chen at National Taiwan University, who conducted a key measurement of the catalyst under operating conditions using synchrotron X-rays.
Closing the carbon cycle
Although the team’s work is still very much experimental, the research paves the way for new applications. At present, most of the carbon monoxide needed to make synthetic materials is obtained from petroleum. Recycling the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels would help preserve precious resources, as well as limit the amount of CO2 – a major greenhouse gas – released into the atmosphere.
The process could also be combined with storage batteries and hydrogen-production technologies to convert surplus renewable power into products that could fill the gap when demand outstrips supply.
Learn more: Carbon-neutral fuels move a step closer
The Latest on: Carbon neutral fuels
[google_news title=”” keyword=”carbon neutral fuels” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Carbon neutral fuels
- This turquoise fuel is the end of hydrogen: it is obtained from clouds and metalon April 27, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Research into hydrogen as an alternative fuel source has been ongoing for decades, with most production methods resulting in carbon emissions that detract from hydrogen’s green potential. Turquoise ...
- The Power of Us: As EV demand slows, a new alternative fuel garners attentionon April 26, 2024 at 1:59 pm
Golub considers himself an early EV adopter, someone who's willing to deal with some of the frustrations that come with new technology. But more mainstream consumers generally have a lower tolerance ...
- Opinion: Fight carbon to revitalize the planet this Earth Monthon April 26, 2024 at 8:30 am
There is so much we must do to limit the warming of our planet below 1.5 degrees Celsius. We must support others, particularly developing countries, and that is possible only if we strengthen our own ...
- French industry minister sets eyes on carbon capture techon April 26, 2024 at 7:20 am
The French industry minister Roland Lescure on Friday launched a call for interest for carbon capture at various sites to help carbon-intense industries abate emissions.
- Next stop? Building fossil fuel infrastructure.on April 25, 2024 at 11:00 pm
T hank you for reporting on US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm’s remarks about the Biden administration’s policies for transitioning the United States away from fossil fuels (” Granholm defends ...
- Low-carbon fuels crucial in transitioning to ZEVs: Pembina Instituteon April 24, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Should the supply increase, the industry will have to make significant investments in infrastructure and adoption of trucks that operate on this alternative fuel. Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a ...
- ‘It’s a transition’: Energy Secretary Granholm defends Biden against calls to block fossil fuel infrastructureon April 24, 2024 at 10:11 am
Granholm defended the Biden Administration from criticism that it has continued to allow — and in some cases encouraged — fossil fuel infrastructure despite aggressive climate goals.
- Earth Day: A message for the fossil fuel industry in Texason April 23, 2024 at 11:31 pm
Science is clear that we can’t burn all the known reserves and maintain a livable climate. For the sake of freedom, prosperity, national and global ...
- UPS's road to carbon neutralityon April 22, 2024 at 5:00 am
Laura Lane, UPS's chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer, enters the BBC's Executive Lounge to discuss the logistics company's future.
- Quick Learner: What is Carbon Neutrality?on April 19, 2024 at 11:46 am
For Duke to be carbon neutral, it has changed fuel sources, improved efficiencies and created carbon offset credits to reach a net amount of no new greenhouse gas. Learn more about what net carbon ...
via Bing News