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Scientists Forge Solid Carbon from CO2 at 500°C

8/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Berkeley observed CO2 turning into solid carbon at 500°C (932°F).
Using molten-salt electrolysis in a cell with heat-resistant lenses, they stripped oxygen from CO2, observed an intermediate state and recorded solid carbon forming on the electrode at 500°C (932°F).
Researchers said scaling up will need precise gas flow, heat distribution and current density control to produce graphite from emissions.

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Story summary

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Berkeley observed CO2 turning into solid carbon at 500°C (932°F).
Using molten-salt electrolysis in a cell with heat-resistant lenses, they stripped oxygen from CO2, observed an intermediate state and recorded solid carbon forming on the electrode at 500°C (932°F).
Researchers said scaling up will need precise gas flow, heat distribution and current density control to produce graphite from emissions.