Simulated sunlight powers a solar cell that converts atmospheric carbon dioxide directly into syngas. (Photo : Pixabay)
In a new scientific breakthrough, scientists reveal how to convert carbon dioxide into a new energy source.
In this new study, researchers from the the University of Illinois, Chicago and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have successfully transformed carbon dioxide into a usable energy source with the help of sunlight.
Researchers say that carbon dioxide cannot react well, making this compound challenging to convert into something new. However, lead author of the study, Argonne Lab chemist Larry Curtiss and team found a catalyst that can make carbon dioxide more reactive. The team used a metal compound known as tungsten diselenide, that can be transformed into small flakes to fully cover the surface area and produce reactive edges.
On the other hand, plants use an organic catalyst or an enzyme to convert carbon dioxide into sugar. Researchers then used their catalyst to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide. According to Argonne physicist, Peter Zapol, in order to make fuel from carbon monoxide, the process can be described as "downhill" energetically, in carbon dioxide, it can go "uphill".
Carbon monoxide is a greenhouse gas emission which is more reactive than carbon dioxide, where the team can now convert this harmful gas into renewable energy. Scientists now reveal that carbon dioxide turned into carbon monoxide is similar to the process of photosynthesis in plants.
Curtiss explains that photosynthesis involves trees obtaining energy from sunlight, water and carbon dioxide for food. In this new study, the ingredients are similar however the product is new and different.
For this experiment, scientists simulated conditions mimicking nature, as they were able to develop an "artificial leaf" that can complete this three step process and reaction pathway.
Packets of light or incoming photons were converted into negatively charged electrons, protons and oxygen molecules to create a reaction between the water molecules. The protons, electrons along with the carbon dioxide will react together to form carbon monoxide and water.
This efficient reaction only requires the most minimal amount of energy, where this breakthrough process can turn hydrocarbons like coal, oil and gasoline into reusable energy with the help of sunlight and ultimately, help prevent climate change.
This new study is published in the journal, Science.
