Breakthrough turns carbon dioxide into high-strength plastics using clean power

Caltech researchers have developed a system that converts atmospheric CO₂ into durable, industrial-grade plastics using electricity and chemistry. The two-step process mimics photosynthesis, transforming CO₂ into ethylene and carbon monoxide, then converting these into high-strength polyketones. This breakthrough could reduce emissions and reliance on petroleum-based feedstocks for plastic production. The system produces higher concentrations of desired molecules than previous setups. While promising, the technology still needs refinement to match conventional methods in molecular weights.