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Wednesday, 22nd April 2009 (1200 views)

Researchers have used nanotechnology to convert carbon dioxide into methanol, it has been revealed.

Scientists from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore reported in the journal Agewandte Chemie that they have discovered a means to unlock the potential of the greenhouse gas.

Efforts to convert carbon dioxide have been made in the past, but the team noted that these have required a high input of energy and an extended reaction time.

But by deploying nanotechnology - which often involves the use of gold - they have identified a chemical reaction that allows methanol to be obtained.

"At IBN, we are innovating effective methods of generating clean energy using green chemistry and nanotechnology," said IBN executive director Jackie Ying, adding that the aim is for a "viable alternative energy" to be provided.

IBN scientists recently announced that gold nanoclusters that could help in medical research had been developed.

 

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