Converting CO2 into Fuel and Chemicals

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Program:
OPEN 2012
Award:
$4,877,239
Location:
Boca Raton, Florida
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/01/2013 - 03/06/2017

Technology Description:

Dioxide Materials is developing technology to produce carbon monoxide, or “synthesis gas” electrochemically from CO2 emitted by power plants. Synthesis gas can be used as a feedstock for the production of industrial chemicals and liquid fuels. The current state-of-the-art process for capturing and removing CO2 from the flue gas of power plants is expensive and energy intensive, and therefore faces significant hurdles towards widespread implementation. The technologies being developed by Dioxide Materials aim to convert CO2 into something useful in an economical and practical way. The technology has the potential to create an entirely new industry where waste CO2—rather than oil—is used to produce gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and industrial chemicals.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Dioxide Materials’ conversion process would change CO2 from a waste product into a useful, economically viable feedstock, allowing renewable fuels and chemicals to be manufactured at costs comparable to more traditional processes.

Security:

Converting CO2 to synthesis gas and liquid fuels would help reduce amount of petroleum imports.

Environment:

Carbon capture and reuse technology could help stabilize atmospheric GHG levels.

Economy:

Economically viable carbon capture and reuse technology could promote the growth of new industries capable of utilizing synthesis gas as a feedstock for valuable products.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Marc von Keitz
Project Contact:
Dr. Rich Masel
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
rich.masel@dioxidematerials.com

Partners

3M

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Release Date:
03/02/2012