The use of solar energy can enhance the conversion of carbon dioxide into energy-rich products: stepping towards artificial photosynthesis

Abstract

The need to cut CO₂ emission into the atmosphere is pushing scientists and technologists to discover and implement new strategies that may be effective for controlling the CO₂ atmospheric level (and its possible effects on climate change). One option is the capture of CO₂ from power plant flue gases or other industrial processes to avoid it entering the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ can be either disposed in natural fields (geological cavities, spent gas or oil wells, coal beads, aquifers; even oceans have been proposed) or used as a source of carbon in synthetic processes. In this paper, we present the options for CO₂ utilization and make an analysis of possible solutions for the conversion of large volumes of CO₂ by either combining it with H₂, that must be generated from water, or by directly converting it into fuels by electrolysis in water using solar energy. A CO₂-H₂-based economy may address the issue of reducing the environmental burden of energy production, also saving fossil carbon for future generations. The integration of CO₂ capture and utilization with CO₂ capture and storage would result in a more economically and energetically viable practice of CO₂ capture.