Swift CO₂ conversion fuels hope for emissions reduction
Scientists from Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and AZUL Energy have developed an innovative method that allows carbon dioxide to be converted into synthetic fuel in just 15 minutes. The question that arises is whether this innovative technology can significantly impact the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
Researchers from Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and AZUL Energy have developed an innovative method for converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon monoxide (CO), a key component of synthetic fuels. This process reduces the conversion time from 24 hours to just 15 minutes, marking a breakthrough in this field.
new method for CO₂ conversion
Liu Tengyi from WPI-AIMR at Tohoku University emphasizes that traditional methods were costly and unstable. The new technology utilizes various types of phthalocyanines, including cobalt (CoPc), which has proven to be the most effective. The process involves applying the catalyst to gas electrodes using a spray technique.
The new system maintains stability for 144 hours at a density of approximately 6.3 A/dm², making it the most efficient phthalocyanine-based catalyst. Structural studies have shown that crystallization leads to dense molecule packing, which facilitates electron transfer.
breakthrough in synthetic fuel production
These findings highlight that direct crystallization is an effective strategy for manufacturing catalyst electrodes based on metal complexes. This approach could revolutionize synthetic fuel production by improving energy efficiency and reducing costs associated with CO₂ utilization.
The method of manufacturing gas diffusion electrodes along with CO₂ electrolysis technology demonstrates that carbon monoxide synthesis is a promising way to reduce emissions by producing oil alternatives. The process requires only the use of inexpensive pigment catalysts.
