The new electrochemical appliance can directly break down carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon and pure oxygen. A team of researchers from Nanchin University (China) states that this technology can effectively produce oxygen in extreme conditions – for example, underwater on Earth or On Mars.
It is noteworthy that the new device eliminates the need for harsh pressure and temperatures that are usually required for such reactions, writes Interesting Engineering.
“If electricity for the device comes from renewable sources, this method opens the path to carbon neutrality. At the same time, it is a practical and managed method of obtaining oxygen from CO2, which has a wide range of applications – from the development of Mars and providing oxygen to the scaffolding to underwater life, respiratory masks, air purification.
The new method gives 98% oxygen
In nature, plants produce oxygen by photosynthesis, turning CO2 into oxygen and glucose with the participation of hydrogen atoms as mediators.
However, scientists have tried for many years to reproduce this process in a laboratory at moderate temperatures.
Researchers at the Nanke University together with the University of Foodan’s scientists have developed a new method for splitting CO2 directly into carbon and oxygen. Unlike the traditional ways that use hydrogen, their process is based on the Little as a key intermediate element.
