Using Sunlight to Make Methanol

Feb. 7, 2008
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratory have built a device, a counterrotating- ring receiver reactor recuperator, or CR5 for short, that uses sunlight to break a carbon-oxygen bond in CO2 to form CO and oxygen.

They intend on recombining the CO with water to make methanol or some other liquid fuel.

The researchers originally wanted to use the CR5 to break water into hydrogen and oxygen, a way to kickstart the hydrogen economy. But when CO2 and the dreaded carbon footprint became an issue, they decided to try the process on CO2. In effect, they want to take the by-product of burning fossil fuels, CO2, and reverse combustion to get CO, hydrogen, and water to make liquid fuels.

Although they have shown proof of concept and are completing a prototype, they admit the invention is 15 to 20 years away.

Sponsored Recommendations

NEW Low Profile, Ultra Compact Power Supplies

March 13, 2024
Learn more HERE about Altech's Power supplies!

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!