Scientists over at Sandia National Laboratories are now trying to create fuel with the help of solar energy. There are multiple conversion that will need to take place for this to happen, however. The scientists are using a cerium-oxide-based system to turn CO2 into carbon monoxide, and they are also working to turn water into useable hydrogen. Combining these two, they will make a synthetic fuel. In a two chambered machine, mirrors will cause the solar energy to heat up to over 1,500 degrees F, which will in turn pull the oxygen out of the cerium oxide. The deoxygenated substance is then pumped into another chamber where it reacts with CO2 to again produce cerium oxide and carbon monoxide.
In the same way, water is heated up and a stream of hydrogen is produced. This prospective new fuel called Syngas is created into a final product using solar energy once again. Mirrors concentrate solar energy to 400 degrees Celsius, which catalyzes a reaction between CO2 and Calcium Oxide. The final product is calcium carbonate. Using similar solar heating processes, finally zinc, steam, and CO2 come together to produce Syngas.
Using this very inexpensive process, we will be able to produce low cost, effective fuel that is readily available and carbon-neutral. Carbon dioxide emissions are becoming a huge problem across the globe as we burn more fossil fuels to run our vehicles and go about our everyday lives. A carbon-neutral, low cost power source could mean great things for the future of our ecosystem. Imagine if cars could run off Syngas and emit no carbon dioxide whatsoever? People are looking for all sorts of ways to reduce their carbon footprint. If this idea can be commercialized, it will be a great opportunity to reduce that footprint even further.
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/synthetic-fuel-co2-solar-energy/
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