A group of researchers from China proposed using two-stage technology to transform
Chemists convert carbon dioxide to monoxidecarbon in the assembly of membrane electrodes using a single-atom Ni–N–C catalyst. Based on the resulting substance, the researchers synthesized acetate using an electrochemical reduction process and a copper-based catalyst.
"Acetate obtained using conventionalelectrocatalytic devices, is always mixed with electrolyte salts that cannot be used directly for biological fermentation,” said Professor Xia Chuan, co-author of the study.
Image: Zneng et al., Nature Catalysis
To solve this problem, researchersused an electrolyte reactor with thick anion exchange membranes to separate and purify the acetic acid solution. After 140 hours of electrolysis, the scientists obtained an ultrapure acetic acid solution with a relative purity of about 97%.
Scientists have made genetic changes to a fungusSaccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast). The modified colony, as the authors of the work note, was able to develop on a pure solution of acetic acid, and, in addition, produced glucose more efficiently.
The researchers believe that their proposed method will help in solving environmental problems and creating a circular economy.
Read more:
It has been hunted for centuries: what do we know about the planet Vulcan next to the Sun
Physicists have experimentally confirmed a new fundamental law for liquids
Astronomers have found a planet near the Earth: it has a very strange orbit