A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of California , Berkeley , have developed a device that uses copper nanoflowers attached to artificial leaves to convert carbon dioxide into complex hydrocarbons.
Copper nanoflowers and the focus on CO₂ conversion
The device integrates a perovskite -based light absorber with a copper nanoflower catalyst, allowing the transformation of CO₂ into compounds with two carbon atoms, such as ethane and ethylene . These hydrocarbons are essential in the production of liquid fuels and plastics , sectors dominated by fossil fuels. Unlike other metallic catalysts, this technology achieves greater selectivity in the conversion of carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, to increase the efficiency of the process, the scientists incorporated silicon nanowire electrodes, which facilitate the oxidation of glycerol, a common organic compound. By making this optimization, the system is 200 times more effective than previous technologies for converting CO₂ into hydrocarbons. In addition, the process generates valuable chemicals such as glycerate, lactate and formate, used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
The research team, led by Dr Virgil Andrei and Professor Peidong Yang, highlights that this platform can be applied to a wide range of chemical processes, driving the development of a circular and carbon-neutral economy. Although the current selectivity of the process remains at 10%, the researchers hope to improve efficiency by designing advanced catalysts.
This breakthrough has been supported by the Winton Program for Sustainability Physics and the U.S. Department of Energy, and underscores the potential of international scientific collaborations to revolutionize clean, sustainable energy production.
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Source and photos: University of Cambridge
