A team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, has developed a process that can convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into formate, a liquid or solid material that could be used instead of hydrogen or methanol to power a fuel cell and generate electricity. Potassium formate (HCOOK) and sodium formate (HCOONa) are already used in cold countries to melt ice on roads and sidewalks. They are nontoxic and nonflammable, as well as easy to store and transport. In the laboratory, the process worked at ambient temperatures and relatively low pressures (about five times atmospheric pressure), converting about 90% of CO2 into solids. A fuel cell was built that can use the formate to produce electricity. Particles of the material are dissolved in water and pumped into the fuel cell as needed. The crystals remain stable and can be stored for decades with little or no loss, while in its gas form, hydrogen leaks from current storage tanks at a rate of about 1% per day (EurekAlert and Cell Press Physical Sciences, October 30, 2023).
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