Chinese Researchers Synthesize Sugar From Carbon Dioxide

Chinese researchers have achieved the precise total synthesis of sugar from carbon dioxide in a laboratory setting. The source stated the objective is to establish this as a reserve technology rather than keeping it at a laboratory level. The system is designed to be expandable, allowing for the integration of additional modules to produce various functional sugars beyond standard sweeteners. A recent publication detailed the achievement of artificial transformation for synthesizing dry lichen, a key component in leaf processing. This industrial-scale synthesis is being explored as a high-efficiency route for sugar production. The process requires optimizing the efficiency of the initial carbon capture stage. The current sugar selection rate is 90%, resulting in very little waste. Future plans include fixing coal and reagents into containers to enable a circular utilization cycle. The process shifts CO2 into oil molecules to facilitate future manufacturing of food, medicines, fuel, and clean water. The study aims to move the process from laboratory settings to full-scale industrial production with a focus on process safety and quality control. China currently imports approximately 4 million to 5 million tons of sugar annually, representing about 30% of its 15 million ton total demand. The research is viewed as a strategic effort to secure the national sugar supply.