Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the production of hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water, using electrolysis and two separate reaction vessels. A first reaction vessel (14) contains a positive electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising water and ionized material. A second reaction vessel (12) contains a negative electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising a mixture of water and carbon dioxide. The reaction vessels are connected with connection means which allow ions to pass between the electrolytic media of the first and second reaction vessels. A direct electrical current is applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode to produce hydrocarbons (typically methane); and oxygen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the production of hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water, using electrolysis and two separate reaction vessels. A first reaction vessel (14) contains a positive electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising water and ionized material. A second reaction vessel (12) contains a negative electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising a mixture of water and carbon dioxide. The reaction vessels are connected with connection means which allow ions to pass between the electrolytic media of the first and second reaction vessels. A direct electrical current is applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode to produce hydrocarbons (typically methane); and oxygen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of hydrogen, oxygen and hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide in the liquid phase with water in the liquid phase to provide and maintain a liquid electrolytic medium in a chamber (12) containing a positive electrode (18) and negative electrode (20). A direct electrical current is applied to the positive electrode (18) and negative electrode (20) to effect ionization of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen and to produce positively charged hydrogen and carbon ions and negatively charged oxygen ions. The hydrogen and carbon ions are separated from the oxygen ions and combine to form hydrogen, carbon and hydrocarbons (typically methane) from the carbon and hydrogen ions, and oxygen from the oxygen ions.