Scientists at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery in tackling climate change by developing a solar-powered device that can convert pollution from the air directly into fuel for cars and planes. The innovative reactor, inspired by photosynthesis, requires no cables or batteries to pull atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and turn it into syngas.
This technology offers an alternative to traditional Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) methods, which have been criticized for being energy-intensive and failing to recycle captured CO2. The new device can remove CO2 from the air at night through specialized filters and use sunlight during the day to initiate a chemical reaction that converts it into syngas.
The syngas produced by the device can be used as an alternative fuel, creating chemicals and pharmaceutical products in the process. This technology has the potential to create a circular, sustainable economy if harnessed with political will.
The research, published in Nature Energy, was led by Professor Erwin Reisner and details a study titled ‘Direct air capture of CO2 for solar fuel production in flow’. The team now aims to commercialize this technology through Cambridge Enterprise.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/cambridge-co2-pollution-carbon-capture-climate-b2698389.html