Solid-state electrochemical cells convert carbon dioxide into valuable liquid fuels

An image showing a chemical transparent liquid in clear bottle

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Process dodges product separation challenges

Researchers in the US and Saudi Arabia have developed electrocatalytic cells that turn carbon dioxide into pure liquid fuels and feedstock chemicals, including formic acid, ethanol and propanol. The approach could offer a cheap and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels by obtaining valuable chemicals from carbon dioxide waste streams.