The article Inspiration Photosynthesis: Artificial solar leaf turns CO2 into fuel by Felix Baumann first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
Researchers have developed an artificial solar leaf with a copper-nano-flower catalyst that converts CO2 into fuel using sunlight. The technology could help replace fossil fuels in the long term.
Scientists of the University of Cambridge And the University of California have developed an artificial solar leaf that should be able to convert into valuable fuels and chemicals using sunlight CO2.
The researchers looked at the principle behind it from nature – more precisely from the photosynthesis. The background: Plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into energy. The researchers formed this principle with a special Perovskit solar cell (a powerful material for solar cells).
Artificial solar leaf converts CO2 into hydrocarbons
What is special about the solar leaf is an additional catalyst made of copper nano flowers. These tiny, blossom -shaped structures make it possible not only to convert CO2 into simple carbon molecules, but also directly into more complex hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene.
These substances are essential for the production of fuels, plastics and chemicals, which have so far mainly come from fossil fuels. With the new technology, however, they could be made clean and sustainably.
Almost all hydrocarbons that are currently used are caused by the combustion of fossil fuels-with considerable CO2 emissions. The artificial solar leaf, on the other hand, produces these substances from CO2, water and glycerin-without releasing additional carbon. This could help combat climate change.
Future research should optimize the process
Another advantage: the researchers significantly improved the efficiency of the process. By using nanodraht electrodes from silicon, the production of hydrocarbons is 200 times more efficient than in previous systems. As a by -product, valuable chemicals such as lactate and formiat are also created that are used in medicine and cosmetics industry.
The process is not yet perfect. Because the conversion efficiency for CO2 to hydrocarbons is currently just ten percent. But the scientists are optimistic: With the right catalyst design, efficiency could further increase.
In the long term, the artificial solar leaf could be a sustainable alternative to using fossil fuels. Research is an example of how international collaborations – in this case between Cambridge and Berkeley – drive innovations.
Also interesting:
- How wind power could change freight shipping sustainably
- Ranking: These are the most sustainable universities in Germany
- Electricity and water consumption: the effects of AI on the environment
- CO2 footprint: So much strain whatsapp, emails and streaming the environment
The article Inspiration Photosynthesis: Artificial solar leaf turns CO2 into fuel by Felix Baumann first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I find the concept of Inspiration Photosynthesis fascinating and potentially groundbreaking. The idea of using artificial solar sheets to mimic the process of photosynthesis in plants, converting carbon dioxide into fuel, has the potential to revolutionize the way we address both carbon emissions and energy production.
The ability to directly capture and convert CO2 from the atmosphere into a usable fuel source could play a significant role in combating climate change. By effectively turning harmful greenhouse gases into a renewable energy source, we could drastically reduce our carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable future.
Furthermore, the scalability of this technology could have far-reaching implications for various industries, including transportation, energy production, and manufacturing. If Inspiration Photosynthesis proves to be successful on a large scale, it could provide a viable solution to the pressing environmental challenges we face today.
Overall, I believe that the development of artificial solar sheets for photosynthesis has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against climate change and the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. It is an exciting prospect that holds great promise for the future of technology and environmental conservation.
Credits