Coupling captured CO2-to-fuel with plastic-to-chemical conversion using only sunlight

In this issue of Joule, Reisner and co-workers describe the integration between solar-driven conversion of direct-air-captured CO2 to syngas and upcycling of waste plastics’ derivatives. Using sunlight as the sole energy input, this proof-of-concept work demonstrates a possibility for achieving low-carbon economy based on concerted fuel generation and waste utilization. In this issue of Joule, Reisner and co-workers describe the integration between solar-driven conversion of direct-air-captured CO2 to syngas and upcycling of waste plastics’ derivatives. Using sunlight as the sole energy input, this proof-of-concept work demonstrates a possibility for achieving low-carbon economy based on concerted fuel generation and waste utilization. Integrated capture and solar-driven utilization of CO2 from flue gas and airKar et al.JouleJune 19, 2023In BriefAn amine/hydroxide solution captures CO2 from exhaust streams and air, and the captured CO2 is photoelectrochemically converted into synthesis gas powered by sunlight. The CO2 reduction reaction is coupled to the oxidation of polyethylene terephthalate plastic waste, which allows for its upcycling to glycolic acid. This process is powered by an integrated state-of-the-art perovskite solar cell to generate the required photovoltage from sunlight to drive the simultaneous CO2 utilization and plastic waste valorization reactions. Full-Text PDF Open Access