New battery technology absorbs CO2 to fuel itself

This research not only helps solve the problem of CO ₂ emissions, but it can also turn it into something more useful for people.

Everyone knows the world is having serious problems with Carbon Dioxide (CO ₂ ) , but it turns out that battery technology can be the most ingenious and cost-effective way to increase carbon dioxide. on our planet.

For years, scientists have been searching for different ways to collect carbon and store it underground or even in the ocean. According to researchers at MIT, the problem with carbon collection and sequestration systems (CCS: Carbon capture and Sequestration) is that they often require a lot of energy to operate.

A 2014 study estimated that CCS uses up to 30% of electricity generated from power plants, and eventually, many systems can only store CO2 in solid form, but do not actually convert the use purpose. be it.

The new Lithium battery system can directly absorb CO2 from inside power plants.

But a separate scientific branch of CO ₂ is trying to find a way to convert this chemical into different materials that can be used as a usable fuel source. Many scientists believe that this is a more preferred strategy, when it also offers other benefits than reducing CO2.

With that in mind, a team at MIT has developed a new Lithium battery system that can directly absorb CO2 from inside power plants , converting wasted steam into an electrode (with side CO2). in) - one of the three main components of the battery.

Lithium Carbon Dioxide batteries often require a metal catalyst to operate, because carbon dioxide is chemically inert. From there it raises another problem - catalysts are often very expensive, and chemical reactions are often difficult to control.

To solve this problem, the team led by mechanical engineer Betar Gallant created an electrochemical carbon Dioxide converter without the need for a catalyst, but only using a carbon electrode.

The answer lies in the use of solid CO2, combining it in an Amine solution.

"New things in our solution are that this technique activates Carbon Dioxide to make electrochemical solution easier," Gallant said.

"These two chemicals - hydrated amines and anhydrous battery cells (not hydrated) - are not often used together, but we realize that combining them together brings new and full behaviors. Interestingly, it may increase the discharge current voltage and allow Carbon Dioxide continuous conversion ".

Negative pole after discharge, shows carbon materials derived from CO2 emissions, and the original surface before discharge of the electrode.

So far, this study is not yet ready for commercialization, but tests have shown that this amine technique could compete with other methods for Lithium batteries when, even though they still have many facets. Edge needs to improve.

First, this battery system is currently limited to 10 charging cycles - a major limitation needs to be significantly improved if you want to use this Lithium Carbon battery system for any serious purpose. .

"Future challenges will include the development of systems with higher anim rotation to reach the ability to operate almost continuously or have a longer life cycle, and to increase capacity possible. achieved at higher intensity ". The authors said in their research.

The authors also admit, it will take years before this type of battery technology can be used to power things that people really need.

With all the small barriers we overcome, we come closer to the ultimate goal - a solution that can help solve one of the critical dilemmas of today's environment, but in a way more useful than simply burying it in the ground and letting it lie there.

"Lithium Carbon Dioxide batteries still need years of development" . Gallant explained, but at least, if we could convert CO2 into something like a battery component, that would be "a way to isolate it into a useful product."