Scientists Use NanotubesTo Produce Fuel from CO2 and Water

Using nanotubes coated with a catalyst, scientists at Pennsylvania State University have succeeded in creating natural gas from carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. Led by engineer Craig Grimes, the team coated an array of nanotubes with tiny particles of titanium dioxide, which catalyzed a reaction — in the presence of sunlight — that created methane from CO2 and water. Grimes’ experiment was significant because it used sunlight, rather than ultraviolet light, and because his lab was able to produce 20 times more of the gas than previous experiments by other labs. The quantities are still too low to practically produce large quantities of methane, said Grimes, adding, “If you tried to build a commercial system using what we have accomplished to date, you’d go broke.” Still, he and other researchers said that continued research into the use of nanotubes to create methane from CO2, water, and sunlight could ultimately help reduce global CO2 levels while creating enough gas to be commercially viable.