Anchored in work begun at Stanford, Opus 12 - seemingly operating under various names most recent "Twelve" - is organized around the capture of carbon emissions at the source where pollution is generated - with the objective being to turn CO2 into chemicals like methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm's effort essentially organizes around reducing emissions while also yielding a new revenue stream (to the firm) from something currently discarded as waste: carbon dioxide. The firm's capabilities generate products that are chemically identical to conventional fossil-fuel derived chemicals and fuels, and with a significantly lower CO? footprint when powered by low-carbon electricity. We have a Joint Development Agreement and a five-year relationship with a US manufacturing partner who has scaled up and manufactures analogous electrochemical systems. 12s technology would enable an artificial carbon cycle that sequesters carbon dioxide in the form of commodity chemicals or creates carbon-neutral fuels, leading to an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Recent years have seen important progress in understanding carbon dioxide conversion catalysis and reactor design has increased greatly in recent years. However, due primarily to difficulties integrating catalysts into a traditional electrolyzer reactor progress towards a commercial process has been limited. To increase the conversion of carbon dioxide at the catalysts surface, Opus 12 incorporates novel electrode materials into an existing electrochemical reactor potentially leading to high reaction rates that are stable over time. Nanofabrication and integration into novel electrolytic reactor designs define the Opus 12 approach. An initial target will be onsite generation of syngas: a first step toward the production of many carbon-negative materials and carbon-neutral fuels. The potential impact could be major. The firm recently announced launch of E-Jet®, their fossil-free, carbon neutral jet fuel made from electrified CO2. The firm reports E-Jet® has over 90% lower lifecycle emissions than conventional jet fuel - is certified and ready to fly.
