Researchers develop a new electrochemical cell that efficiently converts captured carbon dioxide into formate, a clean fuel source.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new type of electrochemical cell that can effectively convert a bicarbonate solution—a product derived from captured carbon—into a formate solution, which is a potent source of green fuel.
This innovation overcomes significant challenges in reactive carbon capture and demonstrates performance levels similar to those of traditional gas-fed methods, which are usually more energy-intensive. “Carbon capture and utilization to convert atmospheric CO2 into useful chemicals and fuels is essential for achieving a carbon-neutral or negative emission future,” said the researchers in theNotably, carbon capture technology has become an essential part of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. “But the important question of what we do with the captured carbon dioxide remains an open challenge. Do we simply push it underground, or is there more to it?” added the researchers.However, this approach faces some challenges as well. “A significant roadblock is the need for pure carbon dioxide: pressurizing carbon dioxide can be highly energy intensive,” the researchers explained in a The researchers believe reactive carbon capture could be an apt alternative solution in this context. “Enter reactive carbon capture, where carbon dioxide dissolved in alkaline solutions, like bicarbonate solutions, can be directly used to create formate ions without the losses associated with providing pure gas,” they highlighted.However, designing an electrochemical cell that can selectively produce formate ions from bicarbonate, while minimizing unwanted reactions, is a complex task.The research team has addressed this challenge by creating an innovative electrochemical cell that overcomes the primary issues in reactive carbon capture. “In the new cell, electrodes made of catalytic material are separated from a polymer electrolyte membrane by a porous membrane made of cellulose ester,” highlighted the press release. In this setup, hydrogen ions are generated at one electrode and move through the electrolyte membrane to the porous layer, where they react with bicarbonate ions to produce carbon dioxide within the pores. “The gas is then converted to formate ions at the other electrode, also in contact with the porous membrane,” remarked the researchers.The team claimed that the results were notable, with the new cell achieving an 85% faradaic efficiency at high currents. It means that 85% of the electrons are transformed into formate, outperforming existing designs. Additionally, the cell remains stable for over 30 hours, achieving a nearly complete conversion of bicarbonate to formate. After removing water, the end product is a solid, crystalline formate “The team hopes their new bicarbonate electrolyzer can be a viable option for society as it strives towards a green transformation,” concluded the press release.An active and versatile journalist and news editor. He has covered regular and breaking news for several leading publications and news media, including The Hindu, Economic Times, Tomorrow Makers, and many more. Aman holds expertise in politics, travel, and tech news, especially in AI, advanced algorithms, and blockchain, with a strong curiosity about all things that fall under science and tech.
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