University of Toronto researchers develop system to convert captured CO2 into more valuable products

In Canada, researchers from University of Toronto Engineering have developed an improved electrochemical system that raises the value of captured CO2 by converting more of it into valuable products than ever before. 

A University of Toronto Engineering team is addressing this challenge by designing advanced electrolyzers that use electricity to convert captured CO2 into the petrochemical building blocks of common everyday materials, from plastic to lycra. This helps create a market for captured carbon, while also providing a low-carbon alternative to the fossil fuel-based manufacturing processes in use today.

Unlike previous systems, the team’s latest design can be run under strongly acidic conditions, which reduces undesired side reactions and enhances overall efficiency.