Is it possible to use energy from renewable energy sources to break down CO2 and when needed, turn that back into another molecule? Or am I dumb?
And is it efficient?
In: 1
Yes, perhaps a process could be considered that uses solar photons to synthesize more complex molecules, such as sugars, from atmospheric CO2. These compounds would then be stored on location, in tall self-assembling structures, packed densely across large swaths of otherwise unusable land such as hills or mountainsides. After an extended period of self-assembly, the structures could then be cut down as needed, to be used as a fuel or even a building material. In this way CO2 could be used as a component of a battery, with a fairly high efficiency.
e.
To charge the battery we could cover it in millions of self-assembling thin film solar panels, designed to convert solar energy directly to chemical energy for easy storage and transport and to do so with a high efficiency. These small charging panels would be subject to high winds, rain, UV exposure etc. so they’ll have to be discarded and re-synthesized on regular intervals. Fortunately they ae fully biodegradable, and pose no environmental threat.
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