Researchers at the University of California have found a way to break carbon dioxide (CO2) into separate carbon and oxygen atoms. This is very exciting because, until now, CO2 as only been known to separate into carbon monoxide (CO) and a single carbon atom. By separating the oxygen molecules from the carbons, it is possible for the oxygen to bond and form O2, which is what we breathe. Scientists discovered this process by shooting a laser containing the shortest wavelength of ultraviolet light, aka vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV). Another laser was used to ionize the broken molecules back together. Experimental results showed that only 5% of the carbon dioxide molecules split into oxygen and carbon atoms, but even this small percentage is very promising. Since this process can occur naturally in an atmosphere, a planet does not need to initially have oxygen present in order to have oxygen in the future, which broadens the range of planets which may contain life in the universe. Also, this discovery could lead to the invention of an apparatus which could convert carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen, making exploration in sea and space much more efficient.
Submitted by Anthony Wetzel
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