Artificial Photosynthesis: Nature’s Magic Copycat
Abstract–Artificial photosynthesis is a new approach to Solar Energy, in which scientists try to silicon(imitate) the natural process of photosynthesis performed by plants, where sunlight H2O and CO2(in suspended air), are converted into carbohydrate molecules. Scientists hope that by mimicking this process they will be able to create sustainable, high-efficiency means of producing fuels and chemicals.Artificial Photosynthesis.
The Process of Artificial Photosynthesis
Light Absorption:
Sunlight is absorbed by a light-absorbing substance, typically a semiconductor.
Charge Separation:
The light energy absorbed kicks electrons in the material, releasing them from their positively charged counterparts (holes).
Water Splitting:
The separated electrons and holes then drive the demand to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
Fuel Synthesis:
The hydrogen can then be reacted with carbon dioxide to create different types of fuels, including methane or methanol.
Difficulties and Future Avenue
Despite the great breakthroughs achieved by artificial photosynthesis, some barriers still exist:
Effectiveness:** Currently available artificialphotosynthesis systems have efficiency much lower than natural photosynthesis.
stability:** The material utilized in these systems is are vulnerable to degradation over time and hence have a limited life.
Cost Effectiveness: The current production costs for solar fuels are great.
To tackle these issues, researchers are investigating different methods, such as:
Nanomaterials:** Using nanomaterials to improve light harvesting and charge separation [2]
Biolevers – / *bio Venetian catalysts: Catalysts over encoded phenomena to catalyze the water-fractured swing and fuel reconstruction.
Porous Composites:* Mixture of Solution-Deposition Photocatalysts and Matrix; *Design Space: Confinement & Transport Sub-systems (dendritic/ porous architecture) Integrated Systems – Integration of multiple systems; *Examples: Combination of Solar Cells and Photocatalysts in Integrated System
If successfully overcome, they may lead to an adaptation of artificial photosynthesis but instead it could change the landscape of energy in the future and help to resolve our energy problems sustainably.
*Interested in specific challenges or solutions associated with artificia photosynthesis? *