Researchers at Penn State have created a zero-gap reactor that converts carbon dioxide and renewable electricity into methane. This system uses methanogens to process hydrogen generated from water splitting, allowing for a more efficient way to create a storable fuel using existing natural gas infrastructure. The study demonstrates that the reactor can be scaled up by ten times without losing energy efficiency. With a reported energy efficiency of around 45 percent, this technology offers a potential pathway for seasonal energy storage and the industrial reuse of captured carbon dioxide.
