In August 2020, a research team led by the U.S. Department of Energy announced a discovery that makes it possible to convert carbon dioxide and water into ethanol.
The research, conducted at Argonne National Laboratory together with Northern Illinois University, found a new process that converts carbon dioxide into ethanol, a valuable ingredient used in gasoline, medications and cosmetics. Scientists in 2016 accidentally learned that the gas could be converted into ethanol. The more recent discovery promises a more affordable and energy-efficient method.