The new reactor, built by a team from the University of Cambridge, takes its inspiration from photosynthesis, requiring no cables or batteries in order to turn atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into syngas.
“Instead of continuing to dig up and burn fossil fuels to produce the products we have come to rely on, we can get all the CO2 we need directly from the air and reuse it,” said Professor Erwin Reisner, who led the research.
The device works by soaking up CO2 from the air at night through specialised filters, then using sunlight during the day to start a chemical reaction to convert it into syngas, which can serve as an alternative to gasoline.
Syngas can also be used to create chemicals and pharmaceutical products, while the ease of use would allow individuals living and working in remote locations to create their own fuel.
The researchers say the reactor offers a new solution to the climate crisis, providing an alternative to current Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies.
