system converts CO2 into fuel

Canadian researchers have designed a system that is able to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into fuel. The system would come to play the role of trees, but in places where they do not exist, as icy plains and deserts.

As these new solar cells that are designed to split water into hydrogen fuel, the recycling of carbon dioxide CO2 combine with the hydrogen obtained from the division of water to form hydrocarbon fuel.

In this way the system poses provide technology in order to produce environmentally friendly fuel in the future, and to complement renewable energy systems we have today.

"Solar and wind Renewable energies are effective in reducing electricity, so only the transport sector is to complete the puzzle," said Geoff Holmes, director of Business Development Engineering carbon.

The challenge now process will discover the best way that emissions of atmospheric carbon dioxide feed systems economically viable. Since one of their major constraints are overcome it is the high cost of CO2 temperature (about 400 ° C), so that the process takes place as expected.

At present, the project is designed to capture only about 450 tons of CO2 per year, a figure that barely cover the carbon emissions of about 33 Canadians. However, the creators say could become 20,000 times more convenient time.

At present, cars, trucks and airplanes constitute approximately 60% of CO2 emissions. According to experts, the only way to absorb this gas would be via direct air capture. "This system requires 1,000 times less space than the trees to suck and can be installed on the ground, as the desert plains where not worth cultivating."

Earlier this year, the meeting of the American Physical Society of the United States, Klaus Lackner, of Arizona State University, said: "I think we've reached a point where it's really important for public research and developing direct air capture to collect carbon negative ".

"Scientists are increasingly convinced that we will need large disposal systems to combat climate change. I'm excited direct air capture. It could be a very important technology add to the list, "he said.