Carbon Dioxide Conversion

The conversion of carbon dioxide to useful feedstocks or fuels is the subject of increasing research and development. Two major options exist for the utilization of carbon dioxide for fuels, the Sabatier reaction which generates methane, and the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction which produces carbon monoxide as a feedstock for higher hydrocarbon production. A compelling application for carbon dioxide conversion is space exploration. For instance, NASA could produce fuel and oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. This would require putting a micro chemical processing plant on the landing module. Of course this technology could be used on earth too and this would help control the 'greenhouse effect.' For example it could be used to decrease emissions to the atmosphere from sources including commercial chemical processes, heavy industry and of course transportation.