Decarbonization of Polluted Air by Solar-Driven CO2 Conversion into Ethanol Using Polarized Animal Solid Waste as Catalyst

Abstract

CO2 conversion to added value products using green processes in terms of source of energy, energy consumption, and/or management of raw materials obtained from waste materials are very attractive approaches for a modern sustainable society. In this work, such approaches are integrated, converting CO2 into ethanol by using polluted air as feeding gas. More specifically, recycled permanently polarized hydroxyapatite catalysts are prepared by applying a thermally stimulated polarization process to pork, beef, and chicken scrapped bones. The recycled bone catalysts are used to perform a series of reactions fed with polluted air and only powered with solar energy using a solar furnace. Reactions are conducted for 5 days and 1 month. Results demonstrate significant decarbonization, converting CO2 into valuable chemical products with high selectivity toward ethanol (up to 99.6%).