How Can I Create Methanol Using Artificial Photosynthesis and Solar Energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of creating methanol through an artificial photosynthesis system utilizing solar energy and atmospheric CO2. The proposed method involves using a solar panel to charge a car battery, which powers electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen from water. However, experts assert that the current methods for synthesizing methanol from hydrogen and carbon dioxide are inefficient and require high temperatures and pressures, making the proposed system impractical for automotive applications.

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BOKurz
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I need help with an experiament...

Ok so I need help with a little project that I have been trying to figure out for a while now. I am attempting to create an artificial photosynthesis/fuel refinery system that uses solar energy and CO2 from the atmosphere to create a small amount of methanol. (This is only the beginning of an idea) First have a solar panel charging a car battery then the + and - wires from the battery are fed into a container of water (electrolysis) and have the container sealed so the gases (Hydrogen and Oxygen) do not mix and go out different tubes. Have the Hydrogen run through a tube and into a holding chamber and have the oxygen run back out into the atmosphere. Meanwhile have a Carbon Dioxide collector (made of Sodium Hydroxide covered vanes) collect CO2 and have the Carbon Dioxide run into the same holding chamber as the Hydrogen. and that is where I am stuck

The problems that i face are 1. Will this idea even work? 2. How do i get the Hydrogen and the Carbon Dioxide to bond to make Methanol? and 3. Would the system be stable enough to be used in an automobile application? so a vehicle could potentially create its own fuel.

Let me know what you think, and if you have any ideas I would be glad to accept them.

Thanks,

Bryan
 
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It won't work for many reasons. First of all - as far as I know there is no reasonably efficient method of making ethanol from hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide may work, but it requires high temperatures and pressures.
 

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