Make like a leaf: researchers developing method to convert CO2

University of Sydney researchers are drawing inspiration from leaves to reduce carbon emissions, using nanotechnology to develop a method for 'carbon photosynthesis' that they hope will one day be adopted on an industrial-scale. Professor Jun Huang from the University of Sydney Nano Institute and the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is  developing  a carbon capture method that aims to go one step beyond storage, instead converting and recycling carbon dioxide (CO₂) into raw materials that can be used to create fuels and chemicals. "Drawing inspiration from leaves and plants, we have developed an artificial photosynthesis method," said Professor Huang. "To simulate photosynthesis, we have built microplates of carbon layered with carbon quantum dots with tiny pores that absorb CO₂  and water. "Once carbon dioxide and water are absorbed, a chemical process occurs that combines both compounds and turns them into hydrocarbon, an organic compound that can be used for fuels, pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, clothing, and construction. "Following our most recent findings, the next phase of our research will focus on large-scale catalyst synthesis and the design of a reactor for large scale conversion," he said. While the research has been conducted on a nanoscale, Professor Huang hopes the technology will be used by power stations to capture emissions from burning fossil fuels.