Transformation of Carbon Dioxide into Synthetic Hydrocarbons or Fuel

The world is facing the problem of global warming. The chemicals such as carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane-CH4, nitrous oxide (N2O), Ozone, etc., are creating pollution. They are known as greenhouse gases. They trap heat and emit infrared radiation, warming the planet. Thus, they are responsible for global warming. Researchers are trying to develop methods to eradicate pollution created by these greenhouse gases.

There is some interesting news. Scientists say that carbon dioxide can be transformed into hydrocarbon fuel. This fuel, in turn, may be used in transportation and other purposes. This process will be helpful in eliminating pollutants from the atmosphere. The process is under investigation.

CO2 is a thermodynamically stable and chemically inert molecule. 

In short, carbon dioxide (CO2) gets converted to carbon monoxide or methanol and subsequently into liquid hydrocarbons.

In another method, carbon monoxide results, and further hydrogenation of carbon monoxide generates long-chain hydrocarbons.

The direct conversion of carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons has attracted a lot of attention from scientists.

Some researchers have achieved direct catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon fuel. In such investigations, they use iron-based catalysts to convert carbon dioxide to fuel.

They are searching for a suitable catalyst for transformation. Till now, they have designed a metal catalyst based on Fe-Mn-K along with the hydrogenation. These are highly selective catalysts. In the process, fine powder of iron oxide (catalyst) along with promoters as Manganese or potassium is used.

Fe-based catalysts used are ultrafine, high-purity, crystalline and are in the powder form. Such crystalline metal oxide powder catalysts are proven to be the best.

CO2 conversion into fuel by biological methods

CO2 conversion into fuel by biological methods, the organisms, such as Cyanobacteria & algae, naturally convert carbon dioxide into valuable products like fuel. Certain microorganisms, like ‘acetogens’, convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen to biofuels.

Some enzymes also catalyse carbon dioxide to fuels.

Carbon Engineering

Recently, they have developed technology known as DAC, which is direct air capture from the atmosphere. And then they utilise this for fuel production. This technique is known as carbon engineering. Carbon Engineering (CE) is a technology for capturing CO from ambient air. Refer https://carbonengineering.com/

‘The world needs better ways to combine the teamwork of a startup with the openness of academia. The depth of engineering and business expertise outside the academic walls is humbling.’ Says David W. Keith.

Read more at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20214-z

 

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