CO2 becomes a resource: a biodiesel 45 times more efficient ♻️

Carbon dioxide, long considered a scourge for the climate, could well turn into an ally. A team of scientists has developed a completely new process capable of converting this gas into an ultra-efficient fuel.


The electro-biodiesel, the result of this innovation, boasts an efficiency 45 times greater than soybean-based biodiesel. Unlike traditional methods that require vast agricultural areas, this approach relies on electrocatalysis, a chemical process using electricity to transform CO2. The researchers, from renowned American institutions, published their results in Joule.

The process begins with electrolysis that splits carbon dioxide into biocompatible components such as acetate and ethanol. These molecules then serve as raw materials for microbes capable of converting them into lipids or fatty acids—the building blocks of biodiesel. The entire process achieves a groundbreaking solar conversion efficiency of 4.5%.

To achieve this result, the scientists designed an innovative catalyst combining zinc and copper. The latter facilitates the production of carbon intermediates, which are quickly converted by a modified strain of Rhodococcus jostii. This microbe, known for its high lipid content, was optimized to maximize yields.

In addition to its efficiency, this method could have a positive environmental impact. Each gram of fuel produced would eliminate 1.57 g of CO2 from the atmosphere. This is a significant advancement, considering conventional biodiesel emits up to 9.9 g of CO2 per gram produced.

Production requires 45 times less land than that of soybean biodiesel—an essential advantage given the pressure on agricultural land. According to the researchers, this technology fits perfectly into a circular economy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The potential of such innovation extends beyond fuel. The same principles could be applied to the production of chemicals, materials, and even food ingredients. With near-zero or even negative emissions, this process offers a promising solution for highly polluting industries.

If this system is scaled up, it could transform the global energy sector. However, challenges remain to make this technology economically viable, particularly the high cost of electrocatalysis.