Cutting-edge University of Auckland research converted waste carbon dioxide into a potential precursor for chemicals and carbon-free fuel

February 19, 2024

Dr Ziyun Wang's researchers in the School of Chemical Sciences, in collaboration with researchers at Chinese institutions, have demonstrated a method for turning CO2 into formic acid, reported in the journal Nature.
Formic acid -- the same substance produced by ants (formica is the Latin word for ant) -- is a colourless and pungent liquid with potential as a transportation fuel, for storing electrical energy and for enabling the petrochemical industry to cut CO2 emissions.
As emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas, rise each year, scientists are looking into options for the capture and storage of CO2, for repurposing CO2, and for pursuing a carbon-free economy.Carbon dioxide flowed into an electrochemical cell and was converted into formic acid, just like charging a battery.

From：sciencedaily