Carbon Nanotube Wools Directly from CO2 By Molten Electrolysis Value Driven Pathways to Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel, low-energy method to synthesize macroscopic carbon nanotube wool directly from CO2 via molten carbonate electrolysis, offering a promising pathway for climate mitigation and material applications.

Contribution

It presents the first high-yield, low-energy process to produce long carbon nanotubes from CO2, enabling new carbon capture and utilization strategies.

Findings

100x longer CNTs on Monel compared to steel

CO2 is directly used as the sole reactant in synthesis

Process is cost-effective with low electricity requirements

Abstract

A climate mitigation comprehensive solution is presented through the first high yield, low energy synthesis of macroscopic length carbon nanotubes (CNT) wool from CO2 by molten carbonate electrolysis, suitable for weaving into carbon composites and textiles. Growing CO2 concentrations, the concurrent climate change and species extinction can be addressed if CO2 becomes a sought resource rather than a greenhouse pollutant. Inexpensive carbon composites formed from carbon wool as a lighter metal, textiles and cement replacement comprise a major market sink to compactly store transformed anthropogenic CO2. 100x-longer CNTs grow on Monel versus steel. Monel, electrolyte equilibration, and a mixed metal nucleation facilitate the synthesis. CO2, the sole reactant in this transformation, is directly extractable from dilute (atmospheric) or concentrated sources, and is cost constrained only by the (low) cost of electricity. Today's $100K per ton CNT valuation incentivizes CO2 removal.