Scientists are converting CO2 into coal "in a landmark carbon capture experiment

Scientists have been able to reconvert coal from gas into solid "coal", which could help eliminate greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

The research team led by RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, has developed a new technique using a liquid metal electrolysis method that effectively converts CO2 from a gas into solid carbon particles.

Posted in the journal Nature Communications, the authors say that their technology offers an alternative way to remove CO2 from the atmosphere in a "safe and permanent" way.

Current carbon capture techniques involve converting the gas into liquid and injecting it underground, but its use is not widespread due to economic viability issues and environmental concerns related to site leaks. storage.

The new technique produces carbon-like solid carbon flakes, which may be easier to store safely.

To convert CO2, the researchers designed a liquid metal catalyst with specific surface properties that made it extremely efficient in driving electricity while chemically activating the surface.

The carbon dioxide is dissolved in a beaker filled with an electrolyte liquid as well as a small amount of the liquid metal, which is then charged with an electric current.

CO2 slowly transforms into solid flakes, which naturally separate from the surface of the liquid metal, allowing for continuous production.

Dr. Torben Daeneke, a researcher at RMIT, said, "Although we can not literally go back in time, converting carbon dioxide back into charcoal and burying it in the ground is like rewinding. clock shows. "

"To date, CO2 has only been converted to a solid at extremely high temperatures, making it unviable on an industrial scale.

"By using liquid metals as a catalyst, we have shown that it is possible to reconvert the gas to carbon at room temperature, according to an efficient and scalable process.

"While it is necessary to continue research, it is a crucial first step in ensuring solid carbon storage."

Dorna Esrafilzadeh, lead author, said the carbon produced by this technique could also be used as an electrode.

"One of the benefits of the process is that carbon can hold an electrical charge and become a supercapacitor. It could therefore be used as a component in future vehicles, "she said.

"The process also produces a synthetic fuel as a by-product, which could also have industrial applications."

---

We will tell you what is true. You can form your own view.

AT L & # 39; Independentno one tells us what to write. This is why, in the era of political lies and biases in Brexit, more and more readers are turning to an independent source. Subscribe from just 15 pence a day for additional exclusives, events and eBooks – all without advertising.

Subscribe now