[energ8]

Yeah, FT looked insane, which is one of the reasons the linked paper was so attractive. Ethanol from CO2, electricity, and water at ambient temperature and pressure.

I mostly think I have to be doing some chemistry/math wrong, based on how not terrible the energy efficiency is. I'd love corrections or reading material, as this is not a knowledgeable area for me. - 2 CO2 + 9 H20 + 12e- -> C2H5OH + 12 OH- = 0.084 V - over voltage of 1.2 V is best - 1kWh @ 1.2V yields 30 moles electrons - 30 moles electrons has theoretical yield 2.5 moles ethanol = 0.146 L ethanol - reduced to appx 116ml ethanol due to selectivity - 116ml ethanol has raw energy of 778 Wh, probably 550 Wh recoverable with Combined Heat and Power

I think 55% round trip efficiency for energy-dense long term storage would be big. Of course, this isn't that (math is partially based on theoretical bests, ethanol isn't long term, CO2 capture and material movement not accounted for).

Thanks for the plasma reforming tip!