The Anonymous Widower

Berkeley Scientists Finally Solve 10-Year Puzzle Enabling Efficient CO2-to-Fuel Conversion With Major Climate Impact Potential

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Sustainability Times.

This is the sub-heading.

In a groundbreaking advancement, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have unveiled the critical mechanisms behind the degradation of copper catalysts, a revelation that promises to revolutionize the production of sustainable fuels by enhancing the efficiency and stability of CO2 conversion processes.

This paragraph gives more details.

Scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of artificial photosynthesis. By utilizing advanced X-ray techniques, they have uncovered the critical factors that limit the performance of copper catalysts in converting carbon dioxide and water into useful fuels. This revolutionary insight could significantly enhance the stability and efficiency of catalysts in CO2 conversion processes, potentially accelerating the production of ethanol and ethylene. The research, which tackles a decades-old puzzle, offers promising avenues for the development of more durable catalyst systems, paving the way for future advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

I first came across catalysts in my working life, when I was working at ICI. I was modelling a chemical process called sulphonation for a guy who was trying to find an efficient way to create the monomer of building block for a new engineering plastic.

Some feel that all plastics are bad for the environment, but I think that, if the plastic is designed to replace another material in a long-lasting application, then plastic is good for the environment.

This picture shows my wonderful Sheba cutlery.

1. C and I bought it in the 1960s, when we got married.
2. Some have been used every day for over fifty years.
3. The important bits are Sheffield stainless steel, with the handles formed of black Delrin plastic.
4. Some of the handles have been in the dishwasher too many times and have faded.
5. From what I have seen on the Internet, the average worth of pieces could be as much as a tenner.

Perhaps, when I pass on, all the pieces should be divided between my grandchildren.

I have digressed and I will return to my modelling project with one of ICI’s catalyst experts.

I remember him telling me, that if you could improve the way catalysts worked, you would open up whole new areas of chemistry.

It looks to me, that the scientists at Berkeley may have opened up a route to turn carbon dioxide into fuel.

Whether that is a good route to decarbonisation is another long discussion.

May 4, 2025 Posted by AnonW | Energy, Environment | Berkeley, Carbon Dioxide, Chemical Catalyst, Chemistry, Decarbonisation, Engineering Plastic, ICI, Mathematical Modelling, Plastic, Sheba Cutlery | Leave a comment