Scientists Develop Mechanism to Recycle CO2 into Usable Fuel (Download PDF)

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United States have developed a mechanism to convert greenhouse gas (GHG) Carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO) . That can be recycled into Usable fuel. US Department of Energy՚s Argonne National Laboratory and University of Illinois at Chicago has been developed this mechanism.

Mechanism:

• The reaction of transform carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide (CO) is different from anything found in nature.
• This mechanism is based on the same basic inputs as photosynthesis.
• In this case the research team was able to construct an “artificial leaf” . The three-step reaction pathway.
• First step:
  • Incoming photon, packets of light are converted to pairs of negatively-charged electrons.
  • Then corresponding positively-charged “holes” that then separate from each other.
• Second step:
  • Holes react with water molecules, creating protons and oxygen molecules.
• Third step:
  • Protons, electrons and carbon dioxide all react together to create carbon monoxide and water.

Key Details:

• The mechanisms take place in green plants and CO2 is converted into sugars.
• Natural photosynthesis process in plants use an organic catalyst called an enzyme to convert CO2 from the atmosphere into a sugar.
• Carbon monoxide is also a greenhouse gas and it is more reactive than carbon dioxide.
• Scientists already have ways of converting carbon monoxide into usable fuel such as methanol.

- Published/Last Modified on: August 16, 2016

Science/Technology

-Examrace Team