Closing the carbon cycle with green propane production | Penn Today

Converting CO2 Emissions into Propane: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy

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Introduction

Over the past three centuries, especially since the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and 19th centuries, human activities have significantly increased greenhouse gas levels in the Earth’s atmosphere. The main culprits are fossil fuel consumption, industrial processes, deforestation, and waste management.

In response, the United States aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52% from 2005 levels by 2030. This initiative aligns with a global effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With electric power and industry sectors contributing to about half of U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, finding solutions in these areas is imperative.

Research Findings

Now, in a paper published in Nature Energy, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois at Chicago have developed a system that can convert CO2 emissions into propane (C3H8), a cleaner, more energy-dense fuel source.

The researchers emphasize the importance of this breakthrough in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

Key Findings

1. The team discovered that adding ionic liquid (IL) into the catalytic system enhances the adherence of CO2 and subsequent groups during reaction on the catalytic material, tri-molybdenum phosphide (Mo3P).
2. This novel approach resulted in an unparalleled efficiency of 91% in producing C3H8.
3. The research opens up new possibilities for exploring the relationship between materials in electrocatalytic systems and provides insights into the catalyst’s microenvironment.

Implications and Future Research

The conversion of CO2 emissions into propane has significant implications for sustainable energy production and climate action. It offers a way to store renewable energy and close the anthropogenic carbon cycle, aligning with SDG 7. Furthermore, it allows for the production of energy-dense fuel sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to SDG 13.

The researchers plan to build on this research in two ways:

• Developing a catalog of ionic liquids and their effectiveness in fuel-generating catalysts and other electrochemical systems.
• Investigating new catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into more energy-dense fuel sources.

By extending this research to higher-weight hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, and jet fuel, the carbon cycle can be closed, preventing the release of carbon atoms into the atmosphere and promoting sustainable energy practices.

Conclusion

The development of a system that can convert CO2 emissions into propane represents a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 and SDG 13. This breakthrough offers a solution to the challenges of energy storage and reducing CO2 levels, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-friendly future.

References:

1. Link to the article: [Insert link]
2. University of Pennsylvania: [Insert link]
3. Illinois Institute of Technology: [Insert link]
4. University of Illinois at Chicago: [Insert link]

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, find cleaner energy solutions, and tackle the carbon cycle. These issues are directly connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

The article highlights the need to develop renewable energy solutions, upgrade infrastructure for sustainable manufacturing processes, and integrate climate change measures into policies and planning. These align with the targets under SDG 7.2, SDG 9.4, and SDG 13.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 7.2: Proportion of total final energy consumption from renewable sources.
• Indicator for SDG 9.4: CO2 emissions per unit of value added in manufacturing industries.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries with climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The article mentions the conversion of CO2 emissions into propane, a cleaner fuel source. The proportion of total final energy consumption from renewable sources can be used as an indicator for progress towards SDG 7.2. Additionally, the reduction of CO2 emissions in manufacturing industries can be measured to track progress towards SDG 9.4. The development and implementation of strategies to tackle climate change can serve as an indicator for SDG 13.2.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: penntoday.upenn.edu

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