Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to methane and oxygen with an oxygen ion-conducting electrolyte
Herein, even Stanford University, in California, acknowledges that, as we have been documenting from across the country and around the world, it is known, in certain circles, that Carbon Dioxide, which arises in a small way, relative to natural sources of emission, from our use of coal, is a valuable raw material resource which we should develop the technologies to more fully utilize.
Brief comment follows excerpts from:
"Title: Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to methane and oxygen with an oxygen ion-conducting electrolyte
Authors: Gurt, T.M.; Wise, H.; Huggins, R.A.
Affiliation: Stanford University; Dept. of Materials Science Engineering; Stanford, CA
Publication: Journal of Catalysis, 1991, vol. 129, pp. 216-224
Abstract: The performance characteristics of a solid-state electrochemical cell have been examined for the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen to methane and oxygen. The electrolyte, made up of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), served the dual function of (a) a support material for the platinum catalyst, and (b) an oxygen ion-conducting membrane for the removal of surface oxygen formed during the reaction. The results indicate a linear increase in reaction rate with DC bias applied across the solid electrolyte. The reaction proceeds by way of a stepwise abstraction of oxygen atoms from carbon dioxide and hydrogenation of surface carbon to methane "
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As we read "results indicate a linear increase in reaction rate with DC bias", etc., we take it to mean that, as you turn up the voltage, you increase both the amount of Carbon Dioxide you convert into Methane and the speed with which you do it.
Remember: Once we have the Methane, we can, via "Tri-Reforming" processes, as described by various institutions, such as Penn State University and West Virginia University, use it to convert, to recycle, even more Carbon Dioxide into even more complex, and valuable, hydrocarbons which serve as the bases for liquid fuel and plastics syntheses.
