Boston, Massachusetts – MIT chemical engineers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the realm of carbon conversion technology, offering an efficient method to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide with the use of DNA-tethered catalytic process. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, paving the way for producing valuable chemicals on a large scale for industrial applications.
The new approach developed by MIT researchers uses electricity to drive the chemical conversion, relying on a catalyst that is anchored to the electrode surface through DNA strands. This DNA “Velcro” mechanism keeps all the reaction components in close proximity, enhancing the efficiency of the process compared to traditional methods where components float freely in solution.
The findings, led by Ariel Furst, the Paul M. Cook Career Development Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, hold promise for the decarbonization efforts to combat climate change. By converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals like carbon monoxide, the technology opens up avenues for utilizing greenhouse gases in a beneficial manner.
The process involves the dissolution of carbon dioxide in water within an electrochemical device containing an electrode to drive the reaction. The use of electrocatalysts, specifically porphyrins, accelerates the reaction while reducing the amount of energy required. DNA serves as the ideal tethering agent to attach catalysts to the electrode surface, enhancing the efficiency of the electrochemical conversion.
With a focus on enhancing the Faradaic efficiency of the reaction to 100 percent, the researchers have successfully demonstrated the potential of the technology. By tethering catalysts with DNA, the energy input translates directly into chemical reactions without any wastage. This approach, which is cost-effective and scalable for industrial applications, holds promise for producing a variety of valuable products like methanol and ethanol.
The groundbreaking research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, represents a significant step towards sustainable carbon utilization and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. With further development and commercialization efforts underway through the company Helix Carbon, the technology holds promise for transforming the landscape of carbon conversion and decarbonization initiatives.