A research team at the University of Illinois claims to have developed an ionic liquid to act as a catalyst when greenhouse gas emissions are converted to fuel.
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Using the liquid, the scientists were able to dramatically reduce the energy needed to change carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, which is the first step in turning emissions into fuels such as formic acid or methanol.

The idea isn't new and is generally knows as artificial photosynthesis, where a solar cell or wind turbine powers an electrochemical cell to convert carbon monoxide. So far, however, scientists needed more energy for the conversion from carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide than can be gained from the final product. According to the research team led by chemical and biological engineering professor and chair Paul Kenis, the ionic liquids stabilize the intermediates in the reaction, which lowers the need for electricity for the conversion. Kenis and his team did not reveal how much the need dropped, but said that they are now looking into ways to make the conversion more efficient and accelerate it so that their ionic liquid can be used in commercial applications.

"More work is needed, but this research brings us a significant step closer to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions that are linked to unwanted climate change," Kenis said.