Conversion

Turning captured CO2 into something else entirely, via electrochemical, thermochemical, photocatalytic, or biocatalytic routes.

Drive CO2 reduction with electrons instead of heat

CO2 + nH+ + ne- → CO, HCOO-, C2H4, C2H5OH

TRL 5–7 — lab to pilot

Use heat and catalysis to rebuild CO2 into fuels

CO2 + H2 → CH3OH, CH4, hydrocarbons

TRL 7–9 — pilot to commercial

Drive the reduction with light directly

CO2 + H2O + hν → CO, CH4, CH3OH + O2

TRL 2–4 — research to lab

Let enzymes and microbes do the carbon chemistry

CO2 + reducing equivalents → acetate, ethanol, biomass

TRL 4–7 — lab to pilot