Direct CO2 to Methane Conversion Using Affordable Catalysts?

Methane ≠ methanol.

We already had this conversation....

Electricity provides the energy to separate the Carbon and Oxygen in the CO₂ with a 63 percent efficiency with the end product being ethanol, C₂H₅OH. When this ethanol is burned as fuel (or consumed ), the CO₂ is returned to the atmosphere.

So, what it boils down to is, with some loss of efficiency, the energy of electricity is being transferred to the end user. Whether this results in reduction of CO₂ emissions all depends on how the electricity is generated, by fossil fuel burning or by other processes, i.e., nuclear, solar, wind, or hydroelectric.

wish James Stewart or I had already commented on this

Don't get your shorts in a bunch.

Like so many other "save the world" revolutionary new discoveries this may not amount to much over the long haul.

I didn't get into the first discussion, mostly because I had to buy the beer and also I have no clue.