Green method converts CO2 into plastics, fabrics to combat global warming

In an attempt to cut down global warming, researchers have successfully developed catalysts that are able to convert carbon dioxide to plastics, resins, fabrics and other products.

Carbon dioxide is one of the main reasons for global warming. Thus, in order to reduce it, scientists from Rutgers University have found a greener way of converting it to products like resins, plastics, fabrics and such.

Apart from enzymes, electrocatalysts can turn carbon dioxide and water into carbon building blocks with over 99% efficiency. Two of the byproducts methylglyoxal and 2,3-furandoil can be used as precursors for plastics, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals, reported Rutgers University.

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“Our breakthrough could lead to the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and raw materials in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries,” said Charles Dismukes, senior author of the study published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.

The process was done with the help of five catalysts made of nickel and phosphorous. These catalysts, which are cheap and abundant, enabled scientists to electrochemically convert carbon dioxide and water into a wide range of carbon-based products.

For future, researchers claim that the next step is to understand further about the fundamental chemical reactions so that it can be used to produce other valuable items too including for polymer industry or renewable fuels.