Making gasoline from seawater (to store energy)

Thread starter berkeman
Start date Apr 10, 2014
Tags

Energy Gasoline Seawater

In summary, the Naval Research Laboratory has demonstrated a method for producing liquid fuels from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, which they say could be used to replace jet fuel within a decade. Though the process is still in the laboratory stage, the potential for this technology to be commercially viable is still very exciting.

Aug 12, 2014

BigWill

Thanks for that. You may want to debate sustainable / renewable / naturally non toxic unless you want to poison your pH by drinking saltwater all day long...but the balance of seawater covering 4/5ths of the planet mean depth of around 3000m, make water accessible to the majority as the solar wind turns it into rain. This may change rapidly as the water companies inflate charges and organise for drought with pollutive atmospheric changes.

<h2> How is gasoline made from seawater?</h2><p>Gasoline cannot be directly made from seawater. However, seawater can be used in a process called electrolysis to produce hydrogen, which can then be converted into gasoline through a process called the Fischer-Tropsch process.</p><h2> What is electrolysis and how does it work?</h2><p>Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This is done by passing an electric current through water, causing the water molecules to break apart into their individual components.</p><h2> What is the Fischer-Tropsch process?</h2><p>The Fischer-Tropsch process is a chemical reaction that converts hydrogen and carbon monoxide into liquid hydrocarbons, such as gasoline. This process involves combining the hydrogen from electrolysis with carbon monoxide, which can be obtained from sources such as coal or biomass.</p><h2> Is making gasoline from seawater a sustainable solution?</h2><p>While the process of making gasoline from seawater may seem sustainable, it still requires a significant amount of energy and resources. Additionally, the process of obtaining carbon monoxide from sources such as coal can have negative environmental impacts. Therefore, this method may not be entirely sustainable in the long term.</p><h2> Can gasoline made from seawater be used in regular cars?</h2><p>Yes, gasoline made from seawater can be used in regular cars as it has similar properties to traditional gasoline. However, the production and distribution of this type of gasoline may require significant infrastructure and may not be cost-effective compared to traditional gasoline. </p>

FAQ: Making gasoline from seawater (to store energy)

How is gasoline made from seawater?

Gasoline cannot be directly made from seawater. However, seawater can be used in a process called electrolysis to produce hydrogen, which can then be converted into gasoline through a process called the Fischer-Tropsch process.

What is electrolysis and how does it work?

Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This is done by passing an electric current through water, causing the water molecules to break apart into their individual components.

What is the Fischer-Tropsch process?

The Fischer-Tropsch process is a chemical reaction that converts hydrogen and carbon monoxide into liquid hydrocarbons, such as gasoline. This process involves combining the hydrogen from electrolysis with carbon monoxide, which can be obtained from sources such as coal or biomass.

Is making gasoline from seawater a sustainable solution?

While the process of making gasoline from seawater may seem sustainable, it still requires a significant amount of energy and resources. Additionally, the process of obtaining carbon monoxide from sources such as coal can have negative environmental impacts. Therefore, this method may not be entirely sustainable in the long term.

Can gasoline made from seawater be used in regular cars?

Yes, gasoline made from seawater can be used in regular cars as it has similar properties to traditional gasoline. However, the production and distribution of this type of gasoline may require significant infrastructure and may not be cost-effective compared to traditional gasoline.