We have cited other Japanese research efforts in the arena of Carbon Dioxide recycling, in addition to their well-documented conversion of coal into liquid fuels for their military during WWII, a major undertaking with coal conversion plants in Japan itself, and on mainland China and the Korean peninsula.
But, herein, we are able to document what seems to be the ongoing development of Carbon Dioxide conversion technology, conducted by a group of researchers whose sequential results are being published, for whatever reason, in separate journals.
These Japanese researchers confirm that Carbon Dioxide can be reclaimed and recycled into the valuable liquid fuels, methanol and dimethyl ether (DME). Both can be further processed to manufacture gasoline, though DME is, by reports, a quite serviceable diesel fuel as is. Both compounds are also useful as raw materials for the manufacture of plastics and other products.
The excerpts, and an additional link, with some editing to minimize formatting differences between the two sources and to clarify chemical formulae, as follows:
"Title: Dimethyl ether synthesis from carbon dioxide by catalytic hydrogenation (Part 1) activities of methanol dehydration catalysts
Authors: Hirano Masaki; Imai Tetsuya; Yasutake Toshinobu; Kuroda Kennosuke
Technical Research Center, The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc
Hiroshima Research & Development Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd
Engineering & Construction Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd
Journal Title: Journal of the Japan Petroleum Institute
Abstract:
The authors have developed (Copper-Zinc-Aluminum-Gallium- Magnesium Oxide - JtM) catalyst for methanol synthesis from CO2 and H2, and have been studying a technology for the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from CO2 and H2 using the combination of the methanol synthesis catalyst above mentioned and a methanol dehydration catalyst. In the present study, the catalytic activities of three types of (Aluminum Oxides) with different specific surface areas, four types of compound oxides (Zirconium, Silicon, Aluminum, Titaniu) and a ZSM-5 zeolite (the same one specified by Exxon-Mobil in their "MTG", methanol-to-gasoline, Process) for DME synthesis by methanol dehydration were tested. DME synthesis activity increased with higher specific surface area of Aluminum Oxide catalyst. Compound oxide catalysts containing (Aluminum Oxide) showed higher DME synthesis activity than catalysts without (Aluminum Oxide), and (Zirconium-Aluminum Oxide), the best compound oxide, showed higher DME synthesis activity. Addition of a metal oxide as the promoter is effective for improving the DME synthesis activity. ZSM-5 zeolite produced more olefins rather than DME. The presence of water in the methanol feed suppressed the DME synthesis reaction by methanol dehydration.
Dimethyl Ether Synthesis from Carbon Dioxide by Catalytic Hydrogenation (Part 2) Hybrid Catalyst Consisting of Methanol Synthesis and Methanol Dehydration Catalysts
Authors: Hirano Masaki; Imai Tetsuya; Yasutake Toshinobu; Kuroda Kennosuke
Technical Research Center, The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc
Hiroshima Research & Development Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd
Engineering & Construction Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd
Direct DME synthesis from Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen was carried out using hybrid catalysts consisting of a methanol synthesis catalyst (Copper-Zinc-Aluminum-Gallium- Magnesium Oxide) and a methanol dehydration catalyst (Zirconium-Aluminum Oxide). The effects of the compositions of the two catalysts on methanol + DME yield, DME selectivity and durability of the hybrid catalysts were investigated. The optimum mixing ratio of the methanol synthesis catalyst to the methanol dehydration catalyst in a hybrid catalyst was 50 : 50 weight percent. In the DME direct synthesis from Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen, the methanol + DME yield and the DME selectivity increased with higher temperature. However, after the methanol yield reached the equilibrium, the methanol + DME yield declined with higher temperature. ... A two-layer structure consisting of an upper layer of methanol synthesis catalyst and a lower layer of a mixture of the methanol synthesis catalyst and the methanol dehydration catalyst was the most effective. The hybrid catalyst with the two-layer structure also showed better durability than catalysts with other structures."
We know the foregoing is some pretty dense stuff. We don't pretend to understand much of it, nor do we expect many of our readers to be able to. What we do understand, though, and it should be clear to our readers, is that the knowledge exists to convert, to recycle, the Carbon Dioxide by-product of our coal use industries into valuable liquid fuels and plastics manufacturing raw materials, just as the knowledge exists to transmute coal itself into those same fuels and chemicals. The knowledge is consistent, and it has been independently and publicly verified by scientists in many nations around the world.
When will that knowledge be publicly verified in the Coal Country of the United States of America, where it needs most to be heard, and where it could be put to the best use and be of the greatest benefit for the most people, the most important people - the citizens of Coal Country, of the United States of America?