Platinum can play a key role in the storing and conversion of carbon dioxide to energy sources in the coming years, according to a new report released on Tuesday (9th June).

Writing for Reuters, John Gartner, Editor In Chief at Matter Network and Industry Analyst for Pike Research, pays particular attention to the efforts of Mantra Venture Group.

The Seattle-based company is currently developing a process which can turn CO2 into formic acid by making use of electricity, platinum as a catalyst and a salt water solution.

Mr Gartner wrote: "The technology cab be used to recycle carbon at coal plants, cement plants and in petroleum refineries."

Formic acid already has a number of important roles in pharmaceuticals and in the manufacture of rubber, while it is also used as a hog feed additive and for de-icing planes.

However, Mr Gartner explains that it could also be applied as an energy source in small fuel cells with the express purpose of powering mobile phones or laptop computers.

"With carbon caps looming, the price of carbon credits likely to rise and carbon sequestration still a technical and economic challenge organisations will be looking for ways to eliminate CO2 disposal from their balance sheets," he added.

"Recycling carbon to create a fuel source - especially one that is not carbon-emitting - sounds very attractive in theory."

Source:

CO2 Conversion a Carbon Capture Alternative (09/06/09)

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