The Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process provides opportunities not only to the lower the carbon footprint of the most intensive global CO2 emitters, but also a negative carbon footprint in the ability to directly absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it to valuable and/or store-able products. For example, STEP splits CO2 with solar efficiency higher than can be achieved by any photovoltaic solar cell, to graphite and CO for synthetic fuels. Rather than electricity, chemicals are produced by this STEP process, in which sunlight provides the energy to synthesize a wide variety of products needed by society. An unusual, broadly applicable, highly efficient solar energy conversion process, �STEP� provides a comprehensive solution to climate change. STEP applies solar thermal energy to heat and decrease the energy of endothermic electrolysis reactions. STEP cost effective, efficient production of hydrogen, iron, cement, water treatment and desalinization, fuels and carbon capture have been demonstrated.

Solar thermal electrochemical process: A fast-track to decrease atmospheric carbon dioxide

245th National Meeting (2013)

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