Electrolysis approach converts CO2 into ethylene

Researchers have been exploring the possibility of converting carbon dioxide to ethylene for several years, but the UIC team’s approach is said to be the first to achieve nearly 100 per cent utilisation of carbon dioxide to produce hydrocarbons. Their system uses electrolysis to transform captured carbon dioxide gas into high purity ethylene, with other carbon-based fuels and oxygen as by products.  Their findings are published in Cell Reports Physical Science.

According to UIC, the process can convert up to six metric tons of carbon dioxide into one metric ton of ethylene, recycling almost all carbon dioxide captured. Furthermore, the system runs on electricity and the use of renewable energy can make the process carbon negative.  

According to research leader Meenesh Singh, the team’s approach surpasses the net-zero carbon goal of other carbon capture and conversion technologies by reducing the total carbon dioxide output from industry.

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“It’s a net negative,” he said. “For every one ton of ethylene produced, you’re taking six tons of CO2 from point sources that otherwise would be released to the atmosphere.”