Yale Chemists Develop Process to Convert CO2 into Sustainable Carbohydrates

New two-step method transforms greenhouse gas into valuable sugars for agriculture and industry.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:28pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex chemical process of converting carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.A groundbreaking chemical process transforms the greenhouse gas CO2 into valuable carbohydrates, offering a sustainable solution for industries and the environment.New Haven Today

Researchers at Yale University and the University of California-Berkeley have developed a novel process that removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and converts it into complex carbohydrates, or sugars. This breakthrough builds on previous work converting CO2 into simpler molecules and represents a significant advancement in the field, opening up new possibilities for creating valuable products from greenhouse gases.

Why it matters

This innovative approach to carbon capture and conversion addresses the critical issue of CO2 disposal, a major contributor to climate change. The resulting carbohydrates have potential applications in agriculture, food production, drug design, and biotechnology, providing a more sustainable pathway for industries that rely on carbon-based compounds.

The details

The two-step process first uses an electrochemical reaction to convert CO2 into formaldehyde, a highly reactive molecule. The researchers then stabilize the formaldehyde by converting it into hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS), an organosulfur compound. In the second step, the HMS is transformed through a thermochemical reaction into complex carbohydrates, such as synthetic sugars for agricultural feedstocks and sweeteners.

  • The study was published in the journal Nature Synthesis on April 12, 2026.

The players

Hailiang Wang

A chemistry professor at Yale University and co-corresponding author of the study. He also holds a secondary appointment in materials science at the Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science.

Peidong Yang

The co-corresponding author of the study, from the University of California at Berkeley.

Jing Li

A co-lead author of the study, from Yale University.

Kedang Chen

A co-lead author of the study, from Yale University.

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What they’re saying

“We were motivated by the successes and limitations of our previous work. While our earlier products, such as methanol, are valuable, we aimed to develop conversions for even more complex and valuable products.”

— Hailiang Wang, Chemistry Professor, Yale University

What’s next

The researchers have filed a patent application for the process and are optimistic about refining the results through further research.

The takeaway

This groundbreaking research not only showcases the potential for a more sustainable future by converting greenhouse gases into valuable products, but also invites further exploration and discussion on the possibilities of carbon conversion and its applications across various industries.