Question 5
(5) Carbon dioxide concentration is now at 400 ppm, a dangerous level for our planet. One possible solution to this problem is transforming carbon dioxide back to fuel (e.g. methane, ethane) using electricity by a process known as electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction as shown in the diagram (Figure 4).
The process makes use of a copper catalyst as the cathode. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. As carbon dioxide attaches to the surface of the cathode, it uses electricity to transform it into the desired gas products. Excess CO2 and hydrogen by-product are also collected.
(i) Fossil fuels are burnt to produce energy. Explain how can the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide possibly address this problem? [2 marks]
(ii) Electricity is needed to successfully convert carbon dioxide to fuel. Describe three energy sources where we can get the electricity needed in order to make this technology sustainable? [3 marks]
The process makes use of a copper catalyst as the cathode. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. As carbon dioxide attaches to the surface of the cathode, it uses electricity to transform it into the desired gas products. Excess CO2 and hydrogen by-product are also collected.
(i) Fossil fuels are burnt to produce energy. Explain how can the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide possibly address this problem? [2 marks]
(ii) Electricity is needed to successfully convert carbon dioxide to fuel. Describe three energy sources where we can get the electricity needed in order to make this technology sustainable? [3 marks]