Scientists Develop One-step Process to Convert CO₂ and Water into Fuel

A team of University of Texas at Arlington chemists and engineers has proven that concentrated light, heat and high pressures can drive the one-step conversion of carbon dioxide and water directly into liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

This simple and new technology could potentially help limit global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to make fuel. The process also reverts oxygen back into the system as a byproduct of the reaction, with a clear positive environmental impact, researchers said.

The one-step conversion of carbon dioxide and water into liquid hydrocarbons and oxygen can be achieved in a photothermochemical flow reactor operating at 180 to 200°C and pressures up to 6 atmospheres.

The concentrated light drives the photochemical reaction, which generates high-energy intermediates and heat to drive thermochemical carbon-chain-forming reactions, producing hydrocarbons in a single-step process.