Researchers from George Washington University have developed a technique that could transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon nanofibers, resulting in raw materials.

The fibers in this microscope image are made of carbon, produced via a new method that also removes carbon dioxide from the air.The fibers in this microscope image are made of carbon, produced via a new method that also removes carbon dioxide from the air.The process takes CO2 and bathes it in molten carbonates at 1,380° F (750° C). Air from the atmosphere is then introduced as a direct electrical current that originates from nickel and steel electrodes. This process dissolves the carbon dioxide and results in carbon nanofibers building up on the steel electrode.

"We have found a way to use atmospheric CO2 to produce high-yield carbon nanofibers," says Stuart Licht, who led this research.

This technique requires a relatively small amount of energy, the researchers say. A hybrid system incorporating solar cells and a thermal energy collector is used to bring the bath to the required temperature, a process said to use as little as a single volt of electricity.

"Carbon nanofiber growth can occur at less than 1 volt at 750° C, which for example is much less than the 3 to 5 volts used in the 1,000° C industrial formation of aluminum,” says Licht.

The team is exploring ways to scale this process and produce nanofibers of a consistent size.

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