UCF researcher's design ensures that water does not interfere with CO2 conversion process making it highly efficient.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida in the US have taken inspiration from the lotus plant’s hydrophobic or water-repelling nature to make a highly efficient device that can convert carbon dioxide into useful products. The technology aims to reduce human activity’s carbon footprint while also sustainably producing more energy.
UCF researcher Yang Yang, who is also part of the university’s Renewable Energy and Chemical Transformation Cluster, was working on a device to suck up planet-warming carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere and turn it into useful products.To reduce the impact of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere, industries have been working on capturing the CO2 instead and keeping it stored for prolonged durations.
The presence of water during this reaction can prove to be quite a challenge. “If you have too much water surrounding your materials, you may produce hydrogen instead of converting carbon dioxide to chemicals,” said Yang in a statement. “That will decrease the energy efficiency of the overall process.”
His team fabricated a hydrophobic surface, similar to the lotus leaf, using a tin oxide film and fluorine layer. The device then extracts gaseous carbon dioxide via a bubbling electrode and selectively converts the CO2 into carbon monoxide and formic acid, which are used as raw materials for making other chemicals.
Carbon Dioxide Carbon Emissions Chemicals Energy &Amp Environment Fuel
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