University of New South Wales researchers have created a chemical building block from carbon dioxide pollution. The new process mixes waste emissions with zinc oxide nanoparticles to create a much greener version of synthesis gas, or syngas. Syngas is used in myriad manufacturing processes, so a faster method of production, combined with the use of captured carbon dioxide, has great potential for the creation of a more sustainable fuel. The new way of creating syngas is incredibly quick and more affordable than current methods. Zinc oxide is inexpensive, abundant and mined locally in Australia.