Scientists identify new approach for converting carbon dioxide to methane

Scientists have identified a new approach for converting carbon dioxide to methane in one step in a single pot called 'one-pot catalysis system' thus eliminating an intermediate step usually needed in the reduction process.The new approach utilises a series of catalytic reactions to electrochemically reduce carbon dioxide to methane, the main ingredient in natural gas.The study was published in the journal 'Nature Communications'."We want to supply renewable electricity and take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it to something else in one step. This is a key contribution to this vision," said Bingjun Xu, author of the study.To convert carbon dioxide into valuable fuels, you have to start with a surface made of copper. Copper can be used to reduce carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, which can then be further transformed into substances such as methane. This process is relatively simple, but it requires two reactors and costly separation and purification steps.The ...