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

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.