As reported by AZERTAC with reference to the Interesting Engineering publication, the refrigerator-sized device can produce up to one liter of fuel per day using only air, water and renewable electricity.
Aviation and maritime transport are now almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels. Alternative energy sources like hydrogen or batteries are still a marginal phenomenon. Airmade offers a carbon-neutral solution: when burning such fuel, exactly as much carbon dioxide is released as was extracted from the air.
The technology is based on the process of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. The plant captures carbon dioxide from the air, mixes it with hydrogen (obtained from water by electrolysis) and converts it into hydrocarbons using a catalyst. The resulting fuel is chemically identical to regular gasoline and can be used in existing engines without modifications.
The system is designed for automatic connection and operation in residential, commercial and industrial premises with minimal pre-configuration.
So far, the refrigerator-sized unit produces only small volumes, but the company plans to scale the technology. The main problems are the high cost due to the energy consumption of electrolysis and low efficiency. However, if the excess energy from solar or wind power plants is used, the process can become economically profitable.
Air Company is already cooperating with the US Air Force and the aviation industry. In the future, such installations could provide fuel to remote regions or be used to store renewable energy in liquid form. If the technology is developed, it will be an important step towards decarbonization of transport.
A team of researchers from the United States has made progress in the field of artificial photosynthesis. Scientists have developed a device that converts carbon dioxide into liquid fuel and other valuable chemicals solely using the energy of sunlight.
