r/science • u/Wagamaga • Aug 06 '20

Chemistry Turning carbon dioxide into liquid fuel. Scientists have discovered a new electrocatalyst that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into ethanol with very high energy efficiency, high selectivity for the desired final product and low cost.

https://www.anl.gov/article/turning-carbon-dioxide-into-liquid-fuel
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u/monkeyman9608 Aug 06 '20

True. Corn is often grown on land where it shouldn’t be, contributing to erosion. And it takes more energy to produce than the ethanol it makes if I remember correctly.

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u/NynaevetialMeara Aug 06 '20

It has about 1.5 return of investment in energy. Oil has 11 return of investment alongside a huge wealth of useful byproducts. But corn is sustainable. If we want it to be.

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u/tentafill Aug 06 '20

I was under the impression that monocrops have unsustainable implications. I don't know a lot about it, but I thought it was more complicated than that.

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u/NynaevetialMeara Aug 06 '20

It is. And all monocrops are unsustainable. But with the correct mix of rotations and fertilizers (potassium,calcium and other minerals) extensive farming can be sustainable