CO 2 ‐based energy vectors for the storage of solar energy

Gabriele Centi and Siglinda Perathoner

Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology, 2011, vol. 1, issue 1, 21-35

Abstract: The analysis of the evolving scenario for a sustainable energy indicates that recycling CO 2 back to fuels (using sunlight) appears the preferable option to develop effective energy vectors for the storage of solar energy which integrates into existing energy infrastructure and allow a smooth, but fast transition to a more sustainable energy future. The different possible options to develop CO 2 ‐based energy vectors are overviewed to give a glimpse to the opportunities, prospects, and limits in this fast accelerating R&D area. Aspects analysis regards the catalytic hydrogenation of CO 2 to different possible fuels and/or chemicals and the generation of renewable H 2 via bioroutes, and thermo‐ or photo(electro)‐chemical approaches, with respect to the combination of PV cells (or other non‐carbon‐based electrical energy sources) and electrolyzers. The application of bioroutes, and thermo‐ or photo(electro)‐chemical approaches to the combined CO 2 and H 2 O direct conversion to (solar) fuels was also discussed and indicated as the challenging target to effectively develop CO 2 ‐based energy vectors that can fully enable the potential of renewable energy. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Date: 2011
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:greenh:v:1:y:2011:i:1:p:21-35

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