I think that what we need most is not compact dimensions, but pure solar input. This sounds more like an energy converter, with the usual losses.

Yep, lets convert atmospheric CO2 into oil so we can burn it and put it back into the atmosphere. The solution to climate change isn't that difficult, and it doesn't involve recycling CO2 back into the atmosphere.

FTA, "...exposed to artificial light". What a scam.

Seedlings can be had for $1 a piece in bulk and the trees last 50 years.
Let me know when that is down to $400 and that kind of longevity. ;)

Even though we are not sure if C02 is causing any problems (no, the science is not settled), we are focused and determined to remove as much C02 as possible. Then what. Can anybody honestly say they know what will happen if we remove too much CO2?

Bamboo is 10x more efficient than typical trees, and it's cheap and easy to grow!

Strikes me that replanting the Amazonian rainforest, keeping people from BURNING said rainforest, and generally NOT using fuels which contain carbon compounds would be a far better way to deal with carbon dioxide.

Robert in Vancouver: Yeah, the science is "settled." Don't believe everything the fossil fuel companies tell you; they don't care if your grandchildren die in agony as long as they can make a profit.

"... if we remove too much CO2?"

It wouldn't matter, because the only way that can happen is if the human race goes extinct, and that's only likely if we continue to have way too much CO2.

Pretty obviously, the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere described in this article is only effective against global warming if we find a way to sequester that CO2, such as pumping it under a tectonic plate.

Robert in Vancouver: The science between CO2 and the Earth's temperature is established scientific fact. "We know CO2 absorbs and re-emits longwave radiation (Tyndall, 1859) . The theory of greenhouse gases predicts that if we increase the proportion of greenhouse gases, more warming will occur (Arrhenius, 1896)."

"Scientists have measured the influence of CO2 on both incoming solar energy and outgoing long-wave radiation. Less longwave radiation is escaping to space at the specific wavelengths of greenhouse gases. Increased longwave radiation is measured at the surface of the Earth at the same wavelengths."

To 'Robert in Vancouver': The science is settled for all who have read objective scientific analysis. It's only not settled for those who willfully wish they could continue driving their Chrysler 440 cu inch forever.