Scientists unveil rapid CO₂‑to-fuel conversion breakthrough
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 cutting-edge technology can significantly impact the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
Researchers from Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and AZUL Energy have devised a novel technique 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 of CO₂ conversion
Liu Tengyi from WPI-AIMR at Tohoku University highlights that traditional methods were costly and unstable. The new technology utilises 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 150 milliamperes per square metre (mA/cm²), making it the most efficient phthalocyanine-based catalyst. Structural studies have shown that crystallisation leads to dense molecule packing, which facilitates electron transfer.
Breakthrough in synthetic fuel production
These findings reveal that direct crystallisation is an effective strategy for manufacturing catalyst electrodes based on metal complexes. This approach could revolutionise synthetic fuel production by improving energy efficiency and reducing the costs associated with CO₂ utilisation.
The method of manufacturing gas diffusion electrodes, in conjunction 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.
