Scientists at McGill University have created the first process to turn two of the more powerful greenhouse gases closest to our planet, carbon dioxide and methane, into commodities in a sustainable manner using only sunlight as energy.
Harnessing the Power of Nature
The new light-driven chemical process developed by the research team is based on nature. Similar to the process by which plants harness sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, this revolutionary technology utilises the sun’s immense energy resource to transform two of the world’s most potent greenhouse gases – methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide 3 – into high-value chemicals.
Its secret ingredient to this metamorphosis is a special catalyst made up of gold, palladium and gallium nitride. This material, when illuminated by sunlight, reacts with a methane molecule and an oxygen atom from carbon dioxide to produce green methanol. In addition to this, carbon monoxide is also produced as an intermediatory product which is a valuable commodity widely demanded in chemical and energy chains.
Turning Waste into Wealth
FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mar 5, 2019– Myah Combustion TurbineImagine a time in the not too-distant future when: The exhaust from your car or the emissions from the next-door factory will be transformed into clean fuel for future vehicles — and reduced carbon output! The same process could also create name-brand building blocks to produce everyday plastics, as well as stable energy storage in batteries… That is the kind of transformation this new process makes possible.
This Green Steel technology converts methane and carbon dioxide into useful products such as green methanol and carbon monoxide, which is not only reducing climate change issues but also creating a new way of producing some crucial industrial materimore sustainablynner. Before the new chemistry life, people could no longer use traditional chemical reactions in high heat and harsh chemicals. This groundbreaking technique is working at room temperature and is a game-changer in the battle for a better sustainable future.
Conclusion
Researchers at McGill University discovered this approach, which may be a promising avenue to reach Canada’s net-zero emissions target for 2050. This novel approach converts the two most detrimental greenhouse gases into natural chemicals, using sunlight as both a trigger and driving force—addressing the environmental problem by skilfully turning it into an opportunity for our chemical future. This paradigm-shifting technology could change the approach to industrial production and energy generation around the world, it also has the potential to provide a cleaner and greener pathway to prosperity.
