Indian scientists have recently made headlines by designing a photochemical method capable of transforming Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into Methane (CH4). A photochemical method refers to a chemical reaction that is triggered by the absorption of energy in light form.
Key Points About the Photochemical Method
The scientists have created a unique polymer designed to absorb visible light and trigger the reaction responsible for decreasing CO2. Conventionally, most catalysts contain expensive and harmful metal counterparts. In response to this drawback, the scientists have designed a metal-free porous organic polymer.
This innovative photochemical method utilizes solar light as a renewable source of energy for reducing CO2. There exist various methods through which CO2 can be reduced such as photochemical, electrochemical, photothermal, and photoelectrochemical.
The Mechanism Behind This Initiative
The catalyst employed has a chemical known as the Conjugated Microporous Polymer (CMP). This chemical can draw in CO2 onto its surface due to its high CO2 intake capacity at room temperature, thereby converting it into methane, a valued product.
To convert CO2 into valuable products, a photo-catalyst must meet several factors including:
– Light-harvesting property
– Charge carrier (electron-hole pair) separation proficiency
– Presence of a suitably electronically aligned conduction band
The Significance of Methane
Methane holds great potential as one of the significant value-added products due to its use as the cleanest burning fossil fuel. It can be directly used in fuel cells as a hydrogen carrier. Additionally, methane is the primary component of natural gas and has the potential to replace coal for electricity generation. It can also provide a flexible supply to support intermittent renewable generators.
About Methane
Methane is a gas which is found in Earth’s atmosphere, albeit in small quantities. It is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of a single carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4). Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can be used as fuel worldwide. It is produced through the breakdown or decay of organic material and can be emitted into the atmosphere through both natural and human processes.
Major Uses of Methane
Methane is a crucial source of hydrogen and various organic chemicals. It reacts with steam at high temperatures to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which is used in the manufacture of ammonia for fertilizers and explosives. Methane also gives rise to other valuable chemicals such as methanol, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and nitromethane. The incomplete combustion of methane produces carbon black, commonly used as a reinforcing agent in rubber for automobile tires.
Environmental Impact of Methane
Methane is 84 times more potent than carbon and does not persist as long in the atmosphere before it breaks down. This makes it vital for reducing global warming more quickly while we concurrently work to reduce other greenhouse gases. Methane is also responsible for producing ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant.