http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/October/09100901.asp
Over the past few years global warming has become a serious issue that has been discussed universily. To help fight the causes of global warming we have developed environmentally friendly products. Another solution was proposed by UK chemist, who believe that they have found a catalyst that converts carbon dioxide waste from power stations into useful cyclic carbonate molecule which could help reduce emissions and the industry’s dependance on fossil fuels. This solid-supported catalyst that works at 60°C and atmospheric pressue will remove carbon dioxide from flue gasses and then reacts with epoxides to make cyclic carbonates. Cyclic carbonates are then used as electrolytes in environmentally friendly degreases, solvent, and in lithium ion batteries.
Posted by Dora Vines
It's very interesting to know that there is such catalyst that can convert carbon waste into something useful. I don't know what the catalyst is, but I hope that this UK chemist was right so we can actually use this catalyst for future.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the increase in CO2 levels has lead to higher acidic levels in our ocean. A change toward lower pH levels in the ocean, I can see to have gigantic consequences on our fragile ecosystems. So I wonder if this catalyst that can break down CO2 from the atmosphere, be manipulated to change CO2 levels in water?
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