Scientists turn captured CO2 into valuable industrial chemical

Scientists convert CO2 into ethylene, a valuable chemical, with high efficiency and stability.

Why it matters

  • Offers a path to profitable carbon recycling by converting CO2 into ethylene.

By the numbers

  • 85% Faradaic efficiency.
  • 750 mA cm−2 partial current density.
  • Stable electrolysis for over 1,500 hours at 600 mA cm−2.

The big picture

  • Could make CO2 capture profitable by converting it into ethylene.
  • Uses high-pressure membrane electrode assembly with In/Cu catalysts.

What they're saying

  • Concerns about energy requirements and market implications.
  • Mentions of thermodynamics challenges.

Caveats

  • Process might face challenges in scaling up.
  • Energy requirements are a concern.

What’s next

  • Potential to minimize energy consumption by avoiding CO2 depressurizing and repressurizing.