The know-how might permit for the transformation of  CO₂ into helpful chemical compounds equivalent to carbon monoxide and artificial pure fuel in a single round course of.

According to analysis from the University of Surrey, it’s attainable to seize CO₂ from the ambiance and convert it into chemical compounds which can be sometimes derived from fossil fuels.

The know-how allows scientists to seize CO₂ and rework it into helpful substances like carbon monoxide and artificial pure fuel in a single, steady course of, doubtlessly resulting in extra sustainable strategies of chemical manufacturing.

Dr. Melis Duyar, Senior Lecturer of Chemical Engineering on the University of Surrey commented: “Capturing CO₂ from the surrounding air and directly converting it into useful products is exactly what we need to approach carbon neutrality in the chemicals sector. This could very well be a milestone in the steps needed for the UK to reach its 2050 net-zero goals. We need to get away from our current thinking on how we produce chemicals, as current practices rely on fossil fuels which are not sustainable. With this technology, we can supply chemicals with a much lower carbon footprint and look at replacing fossil fuels with carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen as the building blocks of other important chemicals.”

The know-how makes use of patent-pending switchable Dual Function Materials (DFMs), that seize carbon dioxide on their floor and catalyze the conversion of captured CO₂ instantly into chemical compounds. The “switchable” nature of the DFMs comes from their potential to provide a number of chemical compounds relying on the working circumstances or the composition of the added reactant. This makes the know-how conscious of variations in demand for chemical compounds in addition to the provision of renewable hydrogen as a reactant.

Dr. Duyar continued: “These outcomes are a testament to the research excellence at Surrey, with continuously improving facilities, internal funding schemes, and a collaborative culture.”

Loukia-Pantzechroula Merkouri, a postgraduate pupil main this analysis on the University of Surrey added: “Not only does this research demonstrate a viable solution to the production of carbon neutral fuels and chemicals, but it also offers an innovative approach to combat the ever-increasing CO₂ emissions contributing to global warming.”

Reference: “Feasibility of switchable dual function materials as a flexible technology for CO₂ capture and utilisation and evidence of passive direct air capture” by Loukia-Pantzechroula Merkouri, Tomas Ramirez Reina and Melis S. Duyar, 11 August 2022, Nanoscale.
DOI: 10.1039/D2NR02688K

The research was made attainable by the Surrey Doctoral College Studentship Award.