| Abstract: | A method for splitting carbon dioxide via a two-step metal oxide
thermochemical cycle by heating a metal oxide compound selected from an
iron oxide material of the general formula A.sub.xFe.sub.3-xO.sub.4,
where 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1 and A is a metal selected from Mg, Cu, Zn, Ni,
Co, and Mn, or a ceria oxide compound of the general formula
M.sub.aCe.sub.bO.sub.c, where 0<a<1, 0<b<1, and 0<c<2,
where M is a metal selected from the group consisting of at least one of
a rare earth metal and an alkaline earth metal, to a temperature greater
than approximately 1400.degree. C., thereby producing a first solid-gas
mixture, adding carbon dioxide, and heating to a temperature less than
approximately 1400 C, thereby producing carbon monoxide gas and the
original metal oxide compound. |