http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20080048056_2008048969.pdf
We some time ago reported NASA's use of a Sabatier-type reactor to recycle Carbon Dioxide aboard the International Space Station; and, their proposal to use the technology on a mission to Mars, to generate both Oxygen and propellant for the return trip from the predominantly Carbon Dioxide Martian atmosphere.
Via the above link, you can access a little more information about that technology, and we include an excerpt, following:
"Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Monday, December 01 2008
A room-temperature electrocatalytic process that effects the overall chemical reaction CO2 + 2H2O → CH4 + 2O2 has been investigated as a means of removing carbon dioxide from air and restoring oxygen to the air. The process was originally intended for use in a spacecraft life-support system, in which the methane would be vented to outer space. The process may also have potential utility in terrestrial applications in which either or both of the methane and oxygen produced might be utilized or vented to the atmosphere.
A typical cell used to implement the process includes a polymer solid-electrolyte membrane, onto which are deposited cathode and anode films. The cathode film is catalytic for electrolytic reduction of CO2 at low overpotential."
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Note that: "The process may also have potential utility in terrestrial applications in which either or both of the methane and oxygen produced might be utilized".
In other words, it will work on Earth as well as Mars.
And, recall that Methane can be synthesized into liquid fuels; it can be used to recycle more Carbon Dioxide into liquid fuels via Tri-reforming processes; or, it can be added to syngas generated from Coal to make more liquid fuels via indirect Coal liquefaction technologies.
Not only that, but: the liquid fuel-type chemicals so generated would also have use as raw materials for the manufacture of some types of plastics.
Moreover, as we read this, and other, similar, information, the catalyzed reaction can be accomplished at low temperatures and low voltages to drive the process. The energy costs would be relatively low.
A NASA scientist, by the name of Hansen we believe, started the CO2 scare many decades ago when someone saw fit to publish his speculations. Other NASA scientists now have the solution to both any CO2 problem and our domestic liquid fuel shortage.
