ENN Group in China has been able to convert coal into liquid methanol, which can later be refined into dimethyl ether. Dimethyl ether can be used as fuel in cars or as a natural gas replacement. This process still creates carbon dioxide, but can produce it in a controlled environment where it is not released directly into the environment. They signed contracts with Egyptian Petrochemicals and Methanex of Canada to build a plant to produce 200,000 tons a year of dimethyl ether in Egypt. However, they still have a need. They need to figure out what to do with the remaining carbon dioxide. Hypothesis, use chemical reactions to convert carbon dioxide into carbon fibers.
Information based upon an article in the McKinsey Quarterly.
