We've previously documented the "electrochemical" conversion, the recycling, of Carbon Dioxide; and, we submit this Japanese report of development in further confirmation of the technology's validity.
And, we have previously reported that Japanese scientists have recycled Carbon Dioxide all the way to gasoline-range hydrocarbons.
Herein, it's reported that the process of recycling Carbon Dioxide is being refined and made more efficient, as we explain in comments following:
"Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methane in aqueous NaHCO3 solution at less than 273 K
Satoshi Kaneco, et. al.; Mie University, Tsu, Mie, Japan
July 2002
Abstract: The electrochemical reduction of CO2 on a Cu electrode was investigated in aqueous NaHCO3 solution, at low temperature. A divided H-type cell was employed, the catholyte was 0.65 mol dm-3 NaHCO3 aqueous solution and the anolyte was 1.1 mol dm-3 KHCO3 aqueous solution. The temperature during the electrolysis of CO2 was decreased stepwise to 271 K. Methane and formic acid were obtained as the main products. The maximum Faradaic efficiency of methane was 46% at −2.0 V and 271 K. The efficiency of hydrogen formation, a competing reaction of CO2 reduction, was significantly depressed with decreasing temperature. Based on the results of this work, the proposed electrochemical method appears to be a viable means for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into more valuable chemicals. The synthesis of methane by the electrochemical method might be of practical interest for fuel production and the storage of solar energy."
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First, the temperature they worked at, "273 K", sounds as if it's high and would require a lot of energy. It's not. We won't attempt the conversion, but it's measured on the "Kelvin" scale, in units equivalent to the Celsius system with which we all, awkwardly, are becoming familiar. And, Kelvin starts at the theoretical "Absolute Zero", so, as a consequence, 273 degrees ain't that hot. As these Japanese scientists seem to indicate, as in "fuel production and the storage of solar energy", we can get there with sunlight.
In any case, using "solar energy", we can convert Carbon Dioxide into "Methane and formic acid".
With Methane, we can either directly make liquid fuels; or, we can enhance the indirect liquefaction of Coal into liquid fuels; or, we can "tri-reform" more Carbon Dioxide into liquid fuels. All as we have documented, and will continue to document.
Formic acid, as a bonus, can be used as a power-generating electrolyte in fuel cells, among other things.
The technology to recycle the Carbon Dioxide by-product of our Coal use is available.