Carbon Dioxide - From Global Pollutant to Important Energy Source

Scientists have discovered a way to turn carbon dioxide (CO2) into useable energy! The harmful gas that exits our cars, bodies, and factories has the potential of powering the objects we use daily. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy has discovered a new and unconventional catalyst for the reaction that converts CO2 to carbon monoxide(CO). According to an article in science daily, carbon monoxide can be used to make a wide range of beneficial elements from hydrogen to alcohols. 

The problem that scientists are having is that until recently the elements that can catalyze such a reaction efficiently are the rare and expensive noble metals such as gold and platinum. However, researchers have discovered that single atoms of nickel - which is more abundant and less expensive - can be used for the same purpose. Both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are dangerous to humans and the environment alike. But if researchers can find a way to harness the potential energy of these elements the human race will be able to use this global pollutant to power the world. Once scientists to figure out is how to produce this reaction on a larger scale and making it more efficient, the possibilities will be limitless. 

Should we focus on using our pollutants to solve our global issues such as energy efficiency or should we focus on lowering CO2 emissions which is a key contributor to global warming?

Story Source: DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory. "Converting CO2 into usable energy: Scientists show that single nickel atoms are an efficient, cost-effective catalyst for converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 March 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180301094857.htm>.

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 7, 2018 at 10:25 AM

    For your final question, I feel that we should focus on lowering CO2 emissions because if we keep using elements such as nickel as well as others, we will be losing resources that could be used for other things.

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