Novel Method to Systematically Resolve Global Warming by Removing CO2 from the Air and Turning it Into Formic Acid

Abstract

The CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is a major problem with global warming being one of the main effects of the increased CO2 concentration. The recapture of CO2 from the atmosphere represents one of the most revolutionary ways of dealing with the problem. This study proposes the removal of high CO2 concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere relying on a photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into formic acid. The use of readily available materials such as water and light makes the process easily adaptable. The study conducts an experiment on the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into formic acid using a RK-X reactor. Experiments conducted by the study returned 2.6g/L of formic acid achieved through the photocatalytic CO2 conversion which can be easily restarted and adopted on a large scale basis with the right investment. The study proves that the conversion of CO2 into formic acid is very much possible and highlights the practical applications of the process through the benefits associated with formic acid. The formic acid produced could act as a hydrogen carrier due to the formic acid’s properties that make it one of the best hydrogen energy carriers hence allowing for energy from the sun to be converted and stored in chemical bonds.