Catalyst rapidly turns carbon dioxide into simple chemicals breaking activity record

A new catalyst is the fastest ever reported when it comes to converting carbon dioxide into simple chemical feedstocks. Key to this high efficiency is a polymer coating that enables better transport of carbon dioxide ­to the electrode surface.

Carbon dioxide electrolysis offers a way to convert a greenhouse gas into useful products, like fuels and chemical feedstocks. It’s a fast developing field, with scientists aiming to drive the technology towards commercial uses, hopeful that it can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.