CO2, the scourge of global warming, might turn out to be our next great energy discovery.
Scientists working on a project to recapture and use CO2, have developed a catalyst to covert the noxious gas into a low emission fuel, methanol.
The single step conversion could be a boon both for the environment and to reduce city pollution.
In the presence of oxygen, methanol combustion produces CO2 and water. So the scientists focused on how to reverse that process and produce a fuel that would both reduce our dependance on foreign oil and improve our chances to reduce global warming.
The process underlying the catalyst operation is made possible by two chemical groups. The first is borane, a mixture of boron, carbon and hydrogen. The second, phosphine, is composed of phosphorus, carbon and hydrogen. Without any metal present, the catalyst also reduces the cost and the introduction of heavy metals into the environment.
CO2 to methanol catalyzation requires a source of hydrogen and chemical energy. The scientists had the idea of using hydroborane (BH3), which yielded fantastic results, and with little waste to boot. The process, furthermore, does not harm the catalyst or cause deterioration, so it can be reused continuously just by adding new substrate.
The only factor that will not see this catalyst in every car soon, is the fact that it is still somewhat expensive. But the researchers are working on ways to make the process cost effective, and by finding new sources of hydrogen to increase efficiency.
Source : Science daily/ 6.23.13
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