Illinois researchers show a family of catalysts efficiently converts CO2 into ethanol and chemicals

In Illinois, carbon dioxide is leaking from industrial operations into the atmosphere, causing a cascade of dangerous changes to Earth’s climate. But some scientists wondered if instead it could instead be captured and converted to useful chemicals.

A group of scientists with Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago, Northern Illinois University and Valparaiso University, have showed how to make a family of catalysts that can efficiently convert CO2 into ethanol, acetic acid or formic acid.

These are among the most produced chemicals in the U.S. and are found in many commercial products. For example, ethanol is a key ingredient in numerous household products and an additive to nearly all U.S. gasoline.