Environmental researchers from Doshisha University, Japan led by Prof. Takuya Goto demonstrated a method for converting CO2 into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using molten salts through sustainable electrochemistry.
Using a sustainable electrochemical technique, the research team facilitated the conversion of CO2 into MWCNT using LiCl-KCl melt. The supplied CO2 was electrochemically converted to solid carbon at the end of the procedure. “The electrochemical reduction of CO2 on a Ni electrode in LiCl-KCl melt at 723 K was studied.
Under high polarization, a super meniscus was formed at the three-phase interface of the Ni electrode/LiCl-KCl melt/CO2 gas, where the direct electrochemical reduction of CO2 to solid carbon progressed. Solid carbon was obtained in the wetted area of the Ni electrode as well as in the bulk molten salt via the electrochemical technique,” Prof. Goto explained. In summary, the study identifies a novel process for sustainably converting CO2 into commercially useful carbonaceous materials. Another important fact: this technique can contribute to the development of a carbon recycling technology that will not only solve global environmental problems but also play an important in carbon pricing economies.
