Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting carbon dioxide to methane. The method comprises exposing carbon dioxide adsorbed on a nanoporous silicate matrix to light in the presence of a source of carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen for a time and under conditions sufficient to convert carbon dioxide to methane. The matrix contains at least one photochromic metal oxide entity, and contains a C1 impurity site. The light has a wavelength of about 437 nm to about 1200 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting carbon dioxide to methane. The method comprises exposing carbon dioxide adsorbed on a nanoporous silicate matrix to light in the presence of a source of carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen for a time and under conditions sufficient to convert carbon dioxide to methane. The matrix contains at least one photochromic metal oxide entity, and contains a C1 impurity site. The light has a wavelength of about 437 nm to about 1200 nm.

Abstract: The lifetime of the photo redox induced disproportionation products of ruthenium polypiridine complexes is significantly increased from about two milliseconds in a liquid phase to greater than thirty-six hours by depositing the complexes in the pores of thirsty glass, thus making possible their use in chemical reactions such as the reduction of water to produce hydrogen at room temperatures.A photochemical reaction system is thereby formed within the situs of the porous glass which adsorbs the photo redox agent and permits diffusion of hydrogen out as an end product while retaining its transparency and characteristics for long periods of use.The porous glass medium withstands high temperatures and processes of organizing the reaction system by depositing as complementary layers various agents and catalysts necessary in a chemical reaction system from solutions and at temperatures otherwise incompatible with liquid redox agents or other site materials.