In September, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been cited as the highest in four million years. The danger here is the permanent state of the substance in the Earth's sphere.
The only way to tone down the compound amount in the atmosphere is to convert it to something substantial. Figuring how to translate carbon dioxide is a huge challenge. However, it is exactly what happened when a group of scientists in Tennessee found a way to turn CO2 into fuel by accident.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a method to transform carbon into ethanol. The process involves the combination of copper nano-particles with nitrogen-laden carbon spikes.
When a 1.2-volt current has been applied, a solution of CO2 dissolved in water turns into ethanol with a 63-percent production. The result is astounding because the process reversed the combustion method with only a limited amount of energy used. The high ethanol yield is itself a separate achievement.
Ethanol is an essential component of the globally-used gasoline. This fuel in Brazil comprises more than 25 percent of ethanol. The ratio has propelled experts to pursue a technology that converts waste products into useful materials.
Initially, the nano-spike experimentation is just a part of a long-term process of transcending CO2 into ethanol. Since the investigation turns out to be surprisingly quick and successful, the role of copper as a catalyst is vital to the whole equation.
More than just a breakthrough, the finding is actually a necessity given that carbon dioxide is among the contributing pollutant to climate change. There is a need to turn high levels of CO2 down and translating it into fuel is the practical approach. It should be noted that Earth's atmosphere is always at risk considering that a gallon of diesel burned easily becomes 22 pounds of carbon dioxide.
With the world yearning for an alternative to the costly gasoline, developing carbon as another fuel option is definitely essential especially if the compound is priced low and its distribution extensive.
