Cool Catalyst

Introduction

Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide. Plants use sunlight to convert this CO2 into organic substances that turn into fossil fuels over ages. Scientists have developed ways to mimic the process. However, the reaction needs expensive gold and silver catalysts. Now it has been found that bismuth, a very cheap, abundant metal, can use solar power to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is the primary raw-material for synthetic fuel production. The finding can help cut synthetic fuel production costs drastically. 

Source

Down To Earth, July 2013