How Chinese scientists made petrol building blocks with CO2, water and sunlight

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Victoria BelaFebruary 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a new method to convert carbon dioxide and water into valuable chemicals using solar energy. Inspired by photosynthesis, the process uses a newly developed material that stores small amounts of electrical energy to efficiently drive chemical reactions. This material is paired with catalysts to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a key building block for fuels. The resulting carbon monoxide can then be further processed into fuel, offering a sustainable alternative for sectors like aviation and shipping. The research, published in Nature Communications, presents a bioinspired strategy for efficient carbon dioxide photoreduction, potentially leading to sustainable fuel production.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Nature Communications 40% China 60% Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 70% Chinese Academy of Sciences 80%

Keywords

carbon dioxide 100% solar energy 90% fuel production 80% photosynthesis 70% sustainable fuel 70% carbon monoxide 60% chemical reactions 50% bioinspired 40% catalysts 40%