New Device Turns Exhaust CO2 to Formic Acid

Scientists have developed a novel device capable of capturing carbon dioxide directly from exhaust gases and converting it into formic acid in a single step. This significant breakthrough, announced by sciencedaily on January 29, 2026, presents a promising new pathway for carbon utilization.

The innovative electrode technology is designed to operate effectively with realistic, unpurified exhaust gases, a crucial advancement over previous methods. It demonstrates functionality even at the low CO2 levels typically found in normal air, as reported by scitechdaily on January 21, 2026.

Formic acid, the valuable chemical produced by this process, holds diverse applications across the energy and manufacturing sectors. Its direct synthesis from waste CO2 streams could substantially enhance the practicality and economic viability of carbon recycling efforts.

This integrated approach streamlines carbon utilization by combining both capture and conversion functions within a single electrode. Professor Wonyong Choi, a corresponding author, emphasized that this offers a simpler and more efficient pathway for CO2 management under real-world conditions.

The research findings were published in the prestigious journal ACS Energy Letters, with the American Chemical Society recognizing it as a remarkable achievement. MK News reported on January 22, 2026, that the study received support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.

This innovation could profoundly impact global efforts to combat climate change by transforming a potent greenhouse gas into a useful industrial resource. It represents a more practical and scalable method for achieving significant industrial carbon reduction.

• Addressing Carbon Capture Challenges: Historically, efficient carbon capture and conversion systems have struggled with the need for purified and concentrated CO2, leading to increased costs and operational complexity. Real-world industrial exhaust contains a mixture of gases, including nitrogen and oxygen, which often hinder the effectiveness of existing conversion technologies, a challenge this new device aims to overcome.

• Advanced Electrode Design: The core of this technology is a sophisticated three-layer electrode. It integrates a material specifically designed for selective CO2 capture, a gas-permeable carbon paper for efficient gas flow, and a catalytic layer composed of tin(IV) oxide, all working in concert to facilitate the direct conversion to formic acid, as detailed by SciTechDaily.

• Superior Performance Metrics: Laboratory tests revealed the new electrode's impressive efficiency, showing approximately 40% higher performance with pure CO2 compared to other conversion electrodes. Crucially, it maintained significant formic acid production even when exposed to simulated flue gas containing 15% CO2, 8% oxygen, and 77% nitrogen, outperforming other methods that largely failed under such conditions. The system also proved effective at atmospheric CO2 concentrations.

• Diverse Applications of Formic Acid: Formic acid is a highly versatile chemical with applications ranging from fuel cells and various industrial processes to serving as a potential medium for liquid hydrogen storage. The U.S. Department of Energy noted on February 20, 2024, that it can also act as a crucial feedstock for chemical and biomanufacturing industries, including the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

• Context within CO2 Conversion Research: This development stands out amidst other CO2 conversion research, which includes efforts to produce methanol or glyoxylic acid. While earlier research, such as that by UNIST reported on November 12, 2025, focused on energy-efficient formic acid production, this new device uniquely emphasizes direct conversion from dilute, mixed exhaust streams.

• Potential for Industrial Implementation: The ability of this technology to capture and convert CO2 directly from unpurified exhaust streams makes it exceptionally appealing for industrial adoption. It offers a simplified carbon reduction solution for various facilities, from residential furnaces to large-scale industrial plants, thereby enhancing the feasibility of widespread deployment.

• Future Prospects and Scalability: Researchers are optimistic that the underlying design principles could be adapted for the capture and conversion of other greenhouse gases, such as methane. The technology's demonstrated efficacy at low CO2 concentrations suggests a significant potential for broad adoption, contributing to the establishment of a more circular carbon economy.