Converting carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, into useful organic products is crucial for our environment. Researchers at McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, have made an exciting discovery: carbon monoxide is a better starting point for producing valuable organic acids than carbon dioxide.
In a study released on August 5 in Green Chemistry, Associate Professor Elijah Thimsen and scientist Alcina Johnson Sudagar explored how to turn carbon monoxide into two important organic acids. They used a technique known as non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma in water. Their findings reveal that using carbon monoxide results in higher yields of oxalic and formic acids compared to carbon dioxide. This two-step process—first converting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, then to organic acids—seems very promising.
Sudagar noted, “Our plasma-liquid setup improves reaction conditions without requiring high pressure or temperature. This makes the process more environmentally friendly since it doesn’t need catalysts or chemical activators.” The study emphasizes the potential for a more efficient and cost-effective approach to fixing carbon dioxide and producing sustainable organic acids.
The research team found that when carbon monoxide reacts in plasma with water, a reaction occurs that produces dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas. Increased yields of organic acids were observed under alkaline conditions, highlighting the role of pH in these reactions.
Interestingly, a recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows a rise in global CO2 emissions despite efforts to curb them. In 2022 alone, emissions reached their highest level ever, demonstrating the urgent need for innovative solutions like this one.
Overall, the research not only sheds light on a possible new method for tackling climate change but also opens doors to further studies in organic chemistry and sustainable practices. Optimizing these reactions could play a significant role in environmentally-friendly production processes for various industries.
For more details on this study, check out the full article in Green Chemistry here.
For additional insights on the current state of carbon reduction efforts, you can explore the IEA’s latest report here.
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