Copper turns CO2 emissions into infinite, clean fuel

Scientists at McGill University have created a breakthrough catalyst that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into methane, providing a cleaner, more sustainable source of energy.

This innovative process uses tiny copper clusters. It could help reduce atmospheric CO2 levels, addressing a major cause of climate change. Unlike traditional methods of producing methane from fossil fuels, which increase CO2 emissions, this new technique, called electrocatalysis, uses renewable energy without adding additional CO2.

“On sunny days you can use solar energy, and when it’s windy you can use the wind to produce renewable energy, but once you generate that energy you have to use it,” said Mahdi Salehi, a PhD student in the Electrocatalysis Laboratory at McGill University.

“But in our case, we can use this renewable but intermittent electricity to store energy in the form of chemicals like methane.”

The Science Behind Copper Nanoclusters

The key to this breakthrough is the use of copper nanoclusters. These tiny clusters of copper atoms act as catalysts, turning CO2 in the air into methane. When this methane is used, it releases CO2, which can be captured and turned back into methane.

This creates a cycle that keeps CO2 emissions neutral, making it a very sustainable energy solution.

“In our simulations, we used copper catalysts of different sizes, from small ones with just 19 atoms to larger ones with 1,000 atoms,” Salehi explained. “We then tested them in the lab, focusing on how cluster sizes affected the reaction mechanism.”

The research team’s findings indicate that extremely small copper nanoclusters are exceptionally effective at producing methane.

“This was a significant finding, indicating that the size and structure of the copper nanoclusters play a key role in the reaction outcome,” Salehi added.

Towards Industrial Applications and Global Impact

The research team plans to improve their catalyst to make it even more efficient. They also want to investigate how it could be used in large industrial environments. Their ultimate goal is to help produce clean, sustainable energy worldwide.

This research has significant implications. It provides a way to convert CO2 into methane using renewable energy sources. This technology has two major benefits: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a sustainable way to store energy.

The concept of a closed carbon cycle has the potential to transform the way we manage carbon and generate energy, which will have a huge impact on the fight against climate change.

The researchers see promising future applications for their work. As they refine the catalyst and scale up the process, more industries could use it. The discovery could significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels and significantly lower global CO2 emissions.

“Our catalyst stands out in the context of existing solutions due to its ability to harness renewable energy and create a closed carbon cycle,” Salehi said. “This approach not only addresses CO2 emissions but also provides a viable path to sustainable energy production.”

The results of the study were recently published in the journal Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy.