diamonds from the sky- convert CO2 from air

[jos]

"We have found a way to use atmospheric CO2 to produce high-yield carbon nanofibers," says Stuart Licht, Ph.D., who leads a research team at George Washington University. "Such nanofibers are used to make strong carbon composites, such as those used in the Boeing Dreamliner, as well as in high-end sports equipment, wind turbine blades and a host of other products."

Licht calls his approach "diamonds from the sky." That refers to carbon being the material that diamonds are made of, and also hints at the high value of the products, such as the carbon nanofibers that can be made from atmospheric carbon and oxygen.

Because of its efficiency, this low-energy process can be run using only a few volts of electricity, sunlight and a whole lot of carbon dioxide. At its root, the system uses electrolytic syntheses to make the nanofibers. CO2 is broken down in a high-temperature electrolytic bath of molten carbonates at 1,380 degrees F (750 degrees C). Atmospheric air is added to an electrolytic cell. Once there, the CO2 dissolves when subjected to the heat and direct current through electrodes of nickel and steel. The carbon nanofibers build up on the steel electrode, where they can be removed, Licht says.

To power the syntheses, heat and electricity are produced through a hybrid and extremely efficient concentrating solar-energy system. The system focuses the sun's rays on a photovoltaic solar cell to generate electricity and on a second system to generate heat and thermal energy, which raises the temperature of the electrolytic cell.

Licht estimates electrical energy costs of this "solar thermal electrochemical process" to be around $1,000 per ton of carbon nanofiber product, which means the cost of running the system is hundreds of times less than the value of product output.

 

 

 

This will reduce the price of carbon nanotube, while saving the planet. This means more light weight and durable computer cases...

 

Source: http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news/newsid=41086.php

 

Be reasonable and do not pollute

[BarneyInMatrix]

Imagine the console killer mini itx cases. 

[Lethal Seraph]

I've dreamt of this before. Using common elements (humans take for granted, CO2, Nitrogen, etc) into something valuable. Same thing with manufacturing gold from salt water. Make that to fund my own country's space exploration.

[Guest]

Woo now we can extend the life of our planet for 

*one two three four five six seven eight cloud9 ben10 kevin11 twelve thirteen fourteen*

okay I have no clue how many years TBH, @LinusTech please cover this in the WAN show!

[SurvivorNVL]

All I got from this is that if I pollute more I am making things I use cheaper.  TO THE CHEVY!

[Trik'Stari]

All I got from this is that if I pollute more I am making things I use cheaper.  TO THE CHEVY!

Took the words out of my mouth.

[SurvivorNVL]

Took the words out of my mouth.

Right, man?  All I know is that if I pollute... I am contributing to... SCIENCE!