Aircela, a US-based fuel startup, has developed a device that produces fossil-free gasoline directly from the air. The device is about the size of a standard refrigerator.
Announced in New York, the device combines carbon dioxide capture and fuel production into a portable unit. It captures approximately 10 kilograms of carbon dioxide daily, yielding about 3.8 liters of gasoline.
The device uses a potassium hydroxide solution to capture carbon dioxide from the air. The captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen are converted into methanol, then refined into gasoline compatible with existing engines and infrastructure.
The company aims to match the price of its gasoline with that of fossil fuels. Strategic investors include Maersk Growth, the venture capital arm of Maersk. The technology is modular and designed for decentralized production.