Sunlight Converts CO2 and Methane into Valuable Chemicals

Drawing inspiration from natural photosynthesis, scientists have developed a technique that uses sunlight to convert two major greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals for fuel and industrial applications. Researchers from McGill University have created a novel process called photo-driven oxygen-atom-grafting.

This method employs gold, palladium, and gallium nitride as catalysts to transform carbon dioxide and methane into carbon monoxide and green methanol when exposed to sunlight.

Potential Applications and Impact

“Imagine if the emissions from vehicles or factories could be turned into clean fuel, everyday plastics, and energy storage just by using sunlight,” said Hui Su, co-first author from McGill’s Department of Chemistry. “This new chemical process makes that possible.”

The Process and Its Benefits

The process removes an oxygen atom from carbon dioxide and attaches it to a methane molecule to create green methanol. Despite challenges like high flammability and larger fuel tanks, this methanol cuts CO2 emissions by 60-95% compared to traditional fuels, and it is scalable, adaptable to carbon capture, and not reliant on fossil fuels.

Additionally, researchers produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct. Despite its toxic nature, they are investigating its potential benefits for treating inflammation, acute lung injury, sepsis, and aiding organ transplants.

Advantages of the New Method

By harnessing the sun’s energy, we can recycle greenhouse gases into valuable products,” said Chao-Jun Li, the lead author and professor at McGill University. “This method operates at room temperature and does not require the high temperatures or harsh chemicals used in other reactions.”

Innovation and Sustainability

Similar to how plants use sunlight to convert CO2 and H2O into energy and oxygen, this innovative technique utilizes abundant resources to achieve a similar effect. Although the catalysts used are not inexpensive, they are durable enough for continuous photo-driven reactions.

“This advancement represents a significant step toward Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, turning an environmental issue into an opportunity for a sustainable future,” added Jing-Tan Han, co-first author and PhD student in Chemistry.

Read the original Article: New Atlas

Read more: Scientists Boost Crop Yields with CO2-Capturing Rock Dust on Fields