Scientists accidentally discovered a process that turns CO2 directly into ethanol

[Hamish McPanji]

It has a lower energy density than petrol, but much higher octane, so with a engine tweak and higher compression I imagine you can get the fuel economy on par.

Ockie the ethhead!!!

 

[Ockie]

Ockie the ethhead!!!

hehe.

From what I understand, I would have been a bit more excited if this could be used to turn CO2 directly into butanol, instead of ethanol.

 

[Jings]

How soon will SAB aquire the formula.

 

[Nick333]

I don't get it. Sucking CO2 out the atmosphere and turning it to ethanol?? it will only be converted back to CO2 when the ethanol is eventually used. A mere 10% may be gained from this.

Lol. Where did you get 10%? And even if it is 10%, what's mere about 10%?

 

[Nick333]

So it could be a neutral energy sourse for cars. Sure, the CO2 gets released back, but it is CO2 that was already there and not new CO2. Plus, the CO2 gets absorbed back again as the fuel making process continues. Big factor will be where the engergy for the process comes from.

As long as the energy required to convert Co2 to ethanol is less than what is expended converting petrol to CO2, the source is irrelevant, you have a net gain. Using "free" or just more efficient energy sources (nuclear) would just make the gains that much bigger.

 

[KleinBoontjie]

I don't understand, can someone please explain "from an African perspective"?

 

[Sinbad]

I don't understand, can someone please explain "from an African perspective"?

Witchdoctory instead of science?

 

[Oopsie]

Lol. Where did you get 10%? And even if it is 10%, what's mere about 10%?

Simple. Gargle it. There is a 10% less in Ethanol combustion compared to fossil fuels

 

[Nick333]

Simple. Gargle it. There is a 10% less in Ethanol combustion compared to fossil fuels

 

[bekdik]

Doesn't Sasol fuel have ethanol added to it?

 

[Oopsie]

Doesn't Sasol fuel have ethanol added to it?

Sure does. They add 10 to 15% and Universal laws state that all gasoline must contain some ethanol for a cleaner burn of the fuel. This is to minimize the greenhouse effect.

When I was working at SASOL, some newbies drank it to get drunk but it sure made them rather ill too.