COULD THIS BE THE SILVER BULLET TO ELIMINATE CO2 ?
Scientists believe that cars and planes could one day be powered by carbon dioxide extracted from the air and converted into fuel using a solar-powered reactor.
Developed by researchers at Cambridge University, the reactor operates without the need for fossil fuel-based energy, making it suitable for use in remote areas. While carbon capture and storage (CCS) has been proposed as a potential solution to the climate crisis—by capturing CO2 emissions and storing them underground—the process is energy-intensive and raises concerns about long-term safety.
Inspired by photosynthesis, the team’s innovative system uses specialized filters to absorb CO2 from the air at night, much like a sponge soaking up water. When exposed to sunlight, the captured CO2 is heated, absorbing infrared radiation, while a semiconductor powder absorbs ultraviolet radiation to trigger a chemical reaction. This reaction converts the CO2 into solar syngas—a crucial intermediate in the production of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals—which can also be refined into fuel.
