Introduction to the Breakthrough
A groundbreaking discovery from Rice University has significantly improved the performance of electrochemical devices that convert CO₂ into valuable fuels. The research team found that bubbling CO₂ through a mild acid enhances both the lifespan and efficiency of these devices. This innovative approach tackles one of the major hurdles in commercialization: salt buildup.
By modifying the local chemistry, this method keeps salts dissolved and flowing, preventing clogs. The result is an impressive operational time of over 4,500 hours without any interruptions. Utilizing common catalysts and scalable technology, this breakthrough could pave the way for more viable green CO₂ conversion methods in real-world applications.