This New Device Turns Carbon Emissions Into a Valuable Chemical

This new technology, as reported in ACS Energy Letters, introduces a novel electrode capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from exhaust gases and converting it into formic acid, a valuable chemical used in various industrial processes. Unlike existing systems, this electrode operates efficiently under realistic conditions, including when CO2 is mixed with other gases, and can function even at atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The device, composed of a carbon dioxide-capturing material, a gas-permeable carbon paper, and a catalytic layer, demonstrated superior performance in laboratory tests, suggesting potential for practical carbon capture and utilization.