There’s too much carbon dioxide on Earth and not enough oxygen on Mars.

Inspired by photosynthesis in plants, in which carbon dioxide is converted into oxygen and glucose, a team of researchers at Nanjing University uses lithium to split CO2 into elemental carbon and oxygen.

The team developed an electrochemical device: CO2 goes in, oxygen and carbon come out. Separately.

The device was tested using pure carbon dioxide and mixed gases, including a simulated flue gas and simulated gas from Mars, where the atmosphere consists primarily of CO2.

The test results are encouraging, and this device, if powered with renewable energy, could be instrumental in achieving carbon neutrality on Earth and supporting life on Mars.

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