Ever thought air could fuel your car? Thanks to groundbreaking tech, it might soon.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have unveiled a method to extract carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the atmosphere and transform it into clean, synthetic fuel. Their Dual-Function Material (DFM) process captures CO₂ at a cost of about $740 per tonne, with expectations to reduce this below $400 as technology advances.
But that’s not all. A team from the University of Cambridge has developed a reactor that pulls CO₂ from the air and converts it into sustainable fuel using only sunlight. This innovation operates like an artificial plant, capturing CO₂ at night and producing syngas, a precursor to fuels, during the day.
In the U.S., Air Company has pioneered a process that converts CO₂ into ethanol. Their technology uses water, electricity, and nanotube membranes to produce commercially viable fuels. Notably, their process operates at room temperature, offering a more energy-efficient approach to fuel production.
These advancements are more than just technological feats; they’re potential game-changers in our fight against climate change. By transforming atmospheric CO₂ into usable fuels, we can reduce greenhouse gas levels and create a sustainable energy cycle.