# title: "Converting Carbon Dioxide into Electricity: Separating Fact from Fiction"
Key takeaways:
- A recent breakthrough in converting CO2 into electricity is not as revolutionary as claimed.
- Energy can be extracted from systems not in equilibrium, such as temperature differences or salinity gradients.
- The new technology uses a porous material to absorb CO2, generating an electric current, but it's not a perpetual energy source.
The Misconception The TV clip and news outlets claim that a new technology has been developed to convert CO2 into electricity, making it seem like a world-first breakthrough. However, the reality is not as groundbreaking as portrayed.
The Science Behind Energy Generation Energy can be extracted from any system that's not in equilibrium, meaning it hasn't reached maximum entropy. Examples include:
- Temperature differences (e.g., ice cubes in hot water)
- Salinity gradients (e.g., differences in salt concentration between two bodies of water)
- Moisture differences in the air
The CO2-Conversion Technology The new technology uses a porous material to absorb CO2, which causes ions to move, generating an electric current. However, this process is not a perpetual energy source, as the material will eventually become saturated and require energy to reverse its state.
Limitations and Future Potential While not a revolutionary breakthrough, this technology has potential applications in powering small devices or making carbon removal more energy-efficient. It's essential to understand the underlying science to separate fact from fiction.
Additional Resources For a deeper understanding of energy generation and the flow of currents, check out Brilliant.org, an interactive platform for learning science, computer science, and mathematics. Use the link brilliant.org/theBea to get a free 30-day trial and 20% off an annual premium subscription.
Summary for: Youtube