How to Convert Greenhouse Gases into Fuel
4 December 2009 | Green Technology | No Comments
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories from U.S. have created a machine that converts greenhouse gases into gasoline or diesel. This machine uses solar power, plus a series of chemical reactions and thus is able to transform carbon emissions into fuel. Researchers say that this type of machine could be used even under the ground to capture carbon dioxide.
Starting from the idea that carbon dioxide can be recycled, Ellen Stechel said that it is possible to transform carbon dioxide into fuel. This thing was impossible few years ago but the technology has evolved and it seems that today can amaze us.
This cylindrical machine called CR5 consists of 14 rotating rings coated with oxidized iron. CR5 is also equipped with a solar system that heats a part of this machine up to 1500 Celsius degrees. Then the iron oxide is exposed to some chemical reactions, releasing oxygen. Oxygen is then transformed in carbon monoxide. So, mixing carbon monoxide with hydrogen, researchers have managed to create fuel (syngas).
Fuels derived from carbon dioxide will be tested in the future for user safety, but despite the controversy on this issue, Rich Diver has announced that this fuel will be used much sooner than we expected.
Tags: capture carbon dioxide, carbon emissions, carbon monoxide, CR5, diesel, fuel, Fuels derived from carbon dioxide, gasoline, greenhouse gases, mixing carbon monoxide with hydrogen, oxygen, syngas, transform carbon dioxide into fuel