When Science IS magic: Turning CO2 into FUEL

 

(Image Source: here)

Just came across an article on GIZMODO.com that is: 1. Super neat-o, 2. Straight Sci-fi and 3. Groundbreaking

The image you see above is from a reactor created by researchers at the University of Cambridge, no it isn't a FAKE HEART either wakka wakka. "What kind of reactor is it Mr. random blogger whome I've never met but I assume is extremely handsome" You may say (and schucks for that, you made me blush)

and to that I answer with: WELL..... it is one that, ohhhhhh I don't know maybe one that..... let's just say

one thaaaat collects CO2 by night and turns it into a useful gas by day. (No big deal, except wait....yes a VERY BIG DEAL)

“What if instead of pumping the carbon dioxide underground, we made something useful from it?” Sayan Kar, a chemist at the University of Cambridge and first author on the study, said in a university statement. “CO2 is a harmful greenhouse gas, but it can also be turned into useful chemicals without contributing to global warming.” -From Gizmodo.com

(Image sourced from GOOGLE)

They claim that this solar reactor is one that could even be used by individuals (as opposed to powering an entire neighborhood or town) to provide energy for remote locations and/or off-grid set ups. Annnnd, because of syngas’ production of its energy, the solar syngas could also lessen our carbon footprint in the chemical sector (which is NEVER a bad thing I suppose). I am a very big fan of the unconventional, I am also a firm believer in mimic nature because evolution generally has a solution for everything (or at the very least is in the process for having solutions to the problems arising in our environment).

I personally am stoked. I'm no expert but this sounds BIG, namely in the efficiency department, sounds like things like this already kind of exist but they aren't as efficient. Bare minimum, this will be a step in the direction of innovation, and a step towards a cleaner carbon footprint, which if we're being honest, helps us AND the earth out sooooo that's a win-win.

Kar and his colleagues’ new reactor is completely solar-powered, meaning it requires no cables or batteries. At night, it filters CO2 from the air—similar to how a sponge soaks up water, according to the researchers. During the day, sunlight heats up the collected CO2, which absorbs the Sun’s infrared radiation while a semiconductor powder absorbs the ultraviolet radiation. A mirror on the reactor concentrates the sunlight for greater efficiency in the system. -Source: Gizmodo.com

If you're interested in reading the complete article please visit GIZMODO.com by clicking here, here, here, here OR       HERE