Solar technology creates fuel from CO2 and water. (power, convert, problem)

[sanspeur]

The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, harnessed the power of photosynthesis to convert CO2, water and sunlight into multicarbon fuels -- ethanol and propanol -- in a single step.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/release...0518120808.htm

[OutdoorLover]

It's certainly interesting work, thanks for posting. The practical significance will ultimately be determined by the energy efficiency and economics of the process. For context, I believe we can make hydrogen by solar-powered electrolysis of water today also. But large scale implementation is still hung up on cost and efficiency of the process.

[guidoLaMoto]

Artificial photsynthesis? Why bother?

Mother Nature worked on the problem for billions of years and that probably can't be improved upon by us...When the fossil fuel runs out, just turn biomass into "wood gas"-- ch4 & h2. We already know how...When Paris became the City of Lights in the 19th centruy, they did it with coal gas (also known as Town Gas)-- Same thing...Available right now as Syn Gas https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full...53642.34528.d9

The problem with "free" electrolysis of water into h2 is that the h2 is highly caustic and its small molecular size makes it very difficult (ie- expensive) to contain...and it's very dangerous for use in automotive applications (Oh! The Humanity!)...I know I wouldn't want to be Flyin' the Ryan, sharing the road on a Sunday at 3AM with a bunch of drunks driving H-powered cars.

[SFX]

Originally Posted by sanspeur

The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, harnessed the power of photosynthesis to convert CO2, water and sunlight into multicarbon fuels -- ethanol and propanol -- in a single step.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/release...0518120808.htm

I can see that as being very valuable. On Mars. Or the moon. When you need to make fuel to get back to earth. Or to the moon from Mars.

Originally Posted by guidoLaMoto

Artificial photsynthesis? Why bother?

A harsh and non earth planet or moon. Hell, you could make fuel on the spaceship while in transit. Using plants would be a lot more trouble. Even blue green algae would be more trouble,