Researchers develop solar-powered system to convert CO2 into fuels and plastics

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and UC Berkeley have created a new system that uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into complex hydrocarbons. This method is more efficient than traditional techniques, which typically produce only single-carbon molecules. The innovative system combines a perovskite solar cell with copper catalysts, known as "nano-flowers." It can generate hydrocarbons like ethane and ethylene, essential for fuels and plastics, using CO2, water, and glycerol without releasing extra carbon emissions. This technology also produces valuable byproducts and shows a selectivity rate of about 10% for CO2 conversion. The researchers aim to improve efficiency and expand the technology for broader applications in sustainable chemical production.