A Novel Solar-Driven System for Two-Step Conversion of CO2

CO2 emission has already been a severe problem due to its threat to our world. Carbon capture and sequestration have been proposed to deposit CO2 in ground-based reservoirs, but it is associated with cost limits and environmental risks. Converting CO2 and steam (H2O) into synthesis gas is a new route to recycle them to fuels. Syngas production is performed via a two-step conversion method in which catalysts are reduced and oxidized with high rates. Oxygen is transported from CO2 and H2O to catalysts with CO and H2 as the products. Nevertheless, the processes are very energy intensive even utilizing catalysts. Solar energy is a free, inexhaustible resource, and one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world. This paper is focused on the development of a novel system for solar-powered syngas production, as well as adequacy assessments of the system. The system study by numerical models can be used in the design and assessment of similar systems. It will also provide ultimate information for operation and decision making by adequacy assessment and numerical parameter optimization techniques. The investigation and assessment prove that the solar-driven system is a competent candidate for powering the two-step conversion of CO2 and syngas production.