National Science Foundation finds blinking crystals may convert carbon dioxide into fuel

The National Science Foundation has reported that blinking nanocrystals from titanium dioxide may play a role in converting carbon dioxide into fuel such as methane. 

"Our findings are important and intriguing in a number of ways, and more research is needed to understand how these exotic crystals work and to fulfill their potential," senior author, Tewodros Asefa, chemist at Rutgers University, told NSF.

Titanium dioxide is one of the most commonly used materials, as it makes its appearance in cosmetics, paints, varnishes and sunscreen to name a few products. 

Scientists are currently trying to discern how the crystals actually carry out the function of blinking but think that it may be connected to single electrons being trapped on the nanoparticles. 

Program director, Lynnette Madsen, at NSF’s Division of Materials Research, is excited about these new findings and expressed her hope that scientists may discover the reason behind the blinking, NSF reported.

Scientists are optimistic that their findings could help with everything from environmental cleanup to solar cells.