Durable artificial photosynthesis setup chains two carbons for solar fuel production
An artificial photosynthesis system developed at the University of Michigan can efficiently bind carbon atoms together to produce ethylene, a key component in plastics production. This system outperforms others in terms of efficiency and longevity, making it a promising solution for capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into useful materials.
The system uses a combination of gallium nitride nanowires and copper clusters to transform water and carbon dioxide into ethylene. The process involves splitting water to generate hydrogen, which then combines with carbon monoxide produced from carbon dioxide to form ethylene. This reaction occurs at the interface between copper and gallium nitride oxide, with oxygen atoms being replaced by hydrogen atoms from water splitting.
The device has shown impressive performance, with 61% of generated electrons contributing to ethylene production. Compared to other systems, this device operates at a higher efficiency and can run for extended periods without degradation. The addition of oxygen during the reaction improves the catalyst and enables a self-healing process, contributing to the device’s longevity.
Future research will focus on producing other multicarbon compounds and liquid fuels to make transportation more sustainable. Ultimately, the goal is to develop technologies that can convert carbon dioxide into valuable products, reducing emissions and creating a more sustainable energy industry.
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Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.