Japan Converts CO2 to Gasoline
Indispensable conditions for CO2 mitigation by catalytic conversion are enumerated. These are very rapid conversion rate and high selectivity to valuable compounds. Since reduction of CO2 needs expensive hydrogen, the ways to get hydrogen inexpensively are described. One is the reduction of CO2 by methane or natural gas instead of hydrogen. In order to realize this reaction without coke formation, the four-component composite catalyst, the Rh-modified Ni-based catalyst with Ce2O3 and Pt as additives has been developed by author et al. Another is the on-site heat supply by catalytic combustion to compensate the large endothermic heat of reforming of methane. Especially, the addition of more easily combustible hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane, which are contained in natural gas, made possible marked decrease in furnace temperature around as low as 570 - 600 K. Even such lower furnace temperatures, the catalyst temperature rises up to around 970 K and an equilibrium conversion of methane is observed even at a very short contact time such as 5 msec. Simultaneous reforming of methane with CO2 and H2O also achieved.
Ultra rapid methanation of CO2 on the Ni-based three-component composite catalyst, Ni-La2O3-Ru, highly effective synthesis of methanol by CO2 hydrogenation on the Pd-Ga-modified Cu-Zn-Cr-Al-Ox-Al-Ox catalyst, the effective synthesis of ethanol by CO2 hydrogenation on the multifunctional catalyst are then summarized. Finally, highly effective syntheses of light olefins and gasoline via methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation using multi-step reactors connected in series are described.
The sequential results of these catalytic conversions of CO2 shows a high potential to realize the processes for mitigation or recyclic use of CO2."
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In other words, as it should by now be growing clear, we can achieve the "mitigation" of CO2 through the "recyclic use" of it.
Note mention of "reforming of methane with CO2 and H2O", which sounds very similar to Penn State University's "Tri-reforming Process", which we've earlier documented. And, recall that needed Methane can, itself, be synthesized via Coal gasification, or via the Sabatier conversion of CO2.
We don't have to allow our Coal industries to be taxed out of existence through Cap & Trade legislation.
We don't have to allow our vital Coal industries to be extorted into servicing the petroleum industry through mandated, and ultimately ineffective, Sequestration.
We can achieve domestic liquid fuel self sufficiency, and an improving environment, through the full, and the fully-informed, use of our Coal resources, which resources now include the major byproduct of our primary coal use - Carbon Dioxide.
As this scientist tells us, a process exists which would yield: "gasoline ... via methanol ... from CO2".