We all know about photosynthesis and how it is used, but the purpose of artificial photosynthesis is complex and involves several important factors. Factors such as water distribution and light collection are the two main tasks that must be performed. Also, just as in plants, we need carbon dioxide. Which can further be captured and can be expanded to produce additional fuels beyond pure hydrogen. This article consists of the Top 10 Breakthroughs in Artificial Photosynthesis for Sustainable Energy Production.
1. Light Absorption
The process just as in real photosynthesis, starts with the absorption of light from the environment. To examine such materials which can absorb these the best is the role of this. Also, most pigment molecules in photosynthesizing organisms can only absorb light at wavelengths within the range of around 400-700 nm, which makes up roughly 50% of the sunlight that reaches the planet. This also becomes the limitation of this technology.
2. Water Splitting
The process of converting water into oxygen and hydrogen chemically with the help of redox is known as water splitting. We all know how we can create water and hydrogen back from water by the redox method. This is very crucial in the case of artificial photosynthesis, as we all know the process of photosynthesis requires water as a major source.
3. CO2 Reduction
Now after oxygen and hydrogen, carbon dioxide plays the next important role in determining how photosynthesis will work. Carbon Dioxide is to be reduced in all cases and all procedures thoroughly as it is not consumed by humans and I a type of by-product.
4. Device Designs
To transform solar energy into chemical energy held in the bonds of fuel, two notable mechanisms have been painstakingly built. The photoelectrochemical cell will be discussed first, and the photovoltaic-coupled electrolyzer will be discussed second. Both systems have benefits and downsides, as well as parallels and contrasts.
5. Fuel Cells
Pure hydrogen or artificial photosynthesis can be used to make hydrocarbons such as methanol and formic acid. Hydrogen is evolving as a clean fuel option since it may be used as a liquid fuel or as a fuel for fuel cells. It can take the role of fossil fuels in several situations, such as domestic energy usage and transportation (certain cars, for example). In a fuel cell, it may also generate electricity. One of the procedures utilized to produce this form of fuel is artificial photosynthesis.
6. Photovoltaic-Coupled Electrolyser
The operation of a solar cell and an electrochemical cell are combined in a photovoltaic-coupled electrolyzer in distinct processes. A photovoltaic cell first handles light absorption and charge separation. To start and drive a redox reaction, the energy potential produced by the cell is then applied to an electrolyzer. In this manner, solar energy is first transformed into electricity, which is then utilized in the electrolyzer cell for the oxidation and reduction of water or CO2.
7. Semi-Artificial Photosynthesis
The distinct advantages of both natural and artificial photosynthesis are actively combined in a semi-artificial photosynthesis system. There are also various synthetic methods available for the same process of artificial photosynthesis but semi-artificial is chosen because of its self-reliability and low maintenance cost. It is being used widely nowadays.
8. Enzyme Hybrids
Combining structural elements belonging to different proteins is a powerful method for generating proteins with new properties. Progress based on detailed structural and functional analysis enables better integration of the elements to be fitted together while preserving or creating functional interactions between them.
9. Cell Hybrids
The potential for somatic and hybrid plant enhancement is enormous. Higher plants can mix parent genes through somatic hybridization via protoplast fusion to overcome sexual incompatibility between different plant species or genera. Through protoplast fusion, beneficial traits can be transferred, including as tolerance to pests, herbicides, diseases (bacterial, fungal, viral), and other stressors.
10. Strategies For Improvement
Even after these, there is always room for improvement. Scientists constantly monitor how they are changing and how new technologies can affect them. Tests and trials for various technologies are still undergoing, and we can surely see major improvements in the upcoming years.
