It is no exaggeration to point out that carbon dioxide is mankind’s main enemy. After all, according to most studies, its accumulation in the atmosphere, which has increased sharply since the first industrial revolution, is responsible for global warming. Really, the most logical solution is, well, cut back. greenhouse gas emissionsHowever, fossil fuel-based economies are slowing the transition to alternative energy models.However, on the other hand Renewable energy Several proposals have been put forward to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.from carbon dioxide capture plant Others are pretty incredible, such as using laser beams to ionize the stratosphere and send carbon dioxide into space from the North Pole. But what if, instead of sending it to the outer boundary of the Van Allen belts, we could turn it into some other material, like plastic?
From Carbon Dioxide to Ethylene… to Polyethylene
The journey began in 2015, when a group of scientists from the University of Singapore developed an “artificial photosynthesis” system using copper as a catalyst and powered by sunlight. produce ethylene from carbon dioxide and water. Last year they finally unveiled their first prototype. Science is always like a ekiden, where knowledge is passed on and produces further achievements. Soon, artificial photosynthesis will be perfected by another team.
Now we fly to the other side of the world, the University of Toronto. Therefore, Canadian light source Using a synchrotron, they developed a system to evaluate the optimum conditions for copper-catalyzed ethylene production. One of the biggest advantages of this technology is highlighted in a paper published in a journal. Nature magazine, it could almost completely reduce the production of methane, which is released as a by-product of the process, while maximizing ethylene production. This substance is the basis for polyethylene, one of the most widespread plastics in the world, and its production is one of the main sources of energy. greenhouse gas.
convert carbon dioxide into baking soda
Could burning coal give you ingredients to bake pies in the oven? New carbon sequestration technology has made it possible to turn the carbon dioxide from burning coal into an everyday ingredient. The pioneering factory is located in Tuticin (India) and has zero emissions. carbon dioxide into the atmosphere…while making baking soda, or sodium carbonate, the main ingredient in baking used in the manufacture of soap, glass and dyes. According to the BBC, the Indian entrepreneur who set up the factory did not set out to save the planet. Apparently he was just looking for a steady and cheap supply of carbon dioxide. He discovered it in technology developed by carbon clean solutiona British startup founded by an Indian.
Steam and carbon dioxide are required to operate the plant. Both elements are produced by burning coal, and while the steam is sent through one piping circuit, he carbon dioxide And the smoke is sent to the chimney. There, a chemical developed by Carbonclean Solutions precipitates carbon dioxide more efficiently and cheaper than other methods previously used. In fact, we don’t need subsidies to maintain our profits. That carbon dioxide turns into sodium carbonate or baking soda. An estimated 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide are converted annually using this method. If implemented globally, this would reduce emissions from coal burning by 10%.
sauce: BBC