Sunshine to petrol: A metal oxide-based thermochemical route to solar fuels

James E. Miller, Richard B. Diver, Nathan P. Siegel, Eric N. Coker, Andrea Ambrosini, Daniel E. Dedrick, Mark D. Allendorf, Anthony H. McDaniel, Gary L. Kellogg, Roy E. Hogan, Ken S. Chen, Ellen B. Stechel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Converting carbon dioxide and water to hydrocarbons is an attractive option for storing solar energy and, coupled with appropriate CO2 capture technology, for recycling carbon and impacting atmospheric CO2 concentrations. For any process, high solar-to-fuel efficiency is necessary for large scale viability and favorable economics. Thermochemical approaches for solar-to-fuel conversion are potentially highly efficient as they avoid the inherent limitations of photosynthesis and also sidestep the solar-to-electric conversion necessary to drive electrolytic reactions. Solar-driven two-step metal-oxide-based thermochemical cycles for producing the components of syngas, CO and H2 from CO2 and H2 0 are the basis of the "Sunshine to Petrol" project. Multi-cycle production of both H2 and CO has been demonstrated over several iron- and cerium-based compositions fabricated into monolithic pieces both in the laboratory and at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility. These compositions are being developed for deployment in a unique and continuous solar-driven reactor prototype, the counter-rotating-ring receiver reactor recuperator or CR5.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEnergy Technology 2010
Subtitle of host publicationConservation, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management, Alternative Energy Sources - Held During TMS 2010 Annual Meeting and Exhibition
Pages27-38
Number of pages12
StatePublished - May 21 2010
Externally publishedYes
EventEnergy Technology 2010: Conservation, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management, Alternative Energy Sources - TMS 2010 Annual Meeting and Exhibition - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: Feb 14 2010Feb 18 2010

Publication series

NameTMS Annual Meeting

Other

OtherEnergy Technology 2010: Conservation, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management, Alternative Energy Sources - TMS 2010 Annual Meeting and Exhibition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period2/14/102/18/10

Keywords

  • Fuels
  • Metal oxide
  • Thermochemical cycles

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Metals and Alloys

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