Solar-powered Device Captures Carbon Dioxide From Air to Make Sustainable Fuel
Published by Todd Bush on February 14, 2025
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered reactor that pulls carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuel using sunlight.
The reactor, highlighted in Nature Energy, could produce fuel for cars, planes, and chemicals without relying on fossil fuels, CO2 transport, or storage. The device captures atmospheric CO2 and uses sunlight to create syngas, a key chemical intermediate.
>> In Other News: PX Group Wins ‘Landmark’ Teesside Biomass Contract
Professor Erwin Reisner, who led the research, said, “Aside from the expense and energy intensity, CCS provides an excuse to carry on burning fossil fuels. Our system makes something useful from CO2 without storing it underground.”
Dr. Sayan Kar, lead author, added, “CO2 is harmful, but we can turn it into useful chemicals without contributing to global warming.”
The device works like photosynthesis, using sunlight without external power. Specialized filters capture CO2 at night, which is then converted into syngas during the day using infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
The team is developing a larger version and aims to convert syngas into liquid fuels for vehicles and planes. If scaled up, the reactor could remove CO2 from the atmosphere and create clean fuel for remote locations.
Reisner’s research group focuses on devices that convert waste, water, and air into fuels. The project is supported by UKRI, the European Research Council, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Cambridge Trust.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Daily decarbonization data and news delivered to your inbox
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.
Latest issues
-
Why 5,000 Leaders Are Heading To Edmonton
Inside the Issue 🌎 Global Leaders Converge in Edmonton September 23-25 for Carbon Capture Canada as Federal Government Expected to Boost Industrial Carbon Pricing in Fall 2025 ✈️ Delta Partners Wi...
-
$2.4B Savings? EPA Proposes Ending GHGRP
Inside This Issue 📉 EPA Releases Proposal to End the Burdensome, Costly Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, Saving up to $2.4 Billion 📊 California to Extend Cap-and-trade Program Aimed at Advancing ...
-
Why Airlines Might Spark a $100B Market
Inside this Issue ✈️ CORSIA Transforms Aviation Compliance Into Market Gold Rush 📉 IEA Cuts 2030 Low-emissions Hydrogen Production Outlook by Nearly a Quarter 🎤 GenH2 Executive Chairman Josh McMor...
Company Announcements
-
More than 5,000 attendees are expected at Canada’s national Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) convention to address industry opportunities in the sector from geopolitical advantage to ...
-
1PointFive and NYK Announce Carbon Removal Agreement
Second NYK transaction continues to build momentum for Direct Air Capture as a solution for the maritime sector HOUSTON, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1PointFive, a carbon capture, utilizatio...
-
Led by cornerstone investors Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, with International Airlines Group (IAG), Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines from oneworld alliance, and Singapore Airlines as part o...
-
Eaton to Showcase Technologies for Hydrogen-Powered Commercial Vehicles at IAA Transportation 2024
HANOVER, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intelligent power management company Eaton announced it will showcase a broad range of innovative solutions for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles September 17–...