Scientific discoveries often reserve surprising innovations. Did you know that it is possible to transform carbon dioxide into fuel using only sunlight? A team of researchers of the University of Cambridge and California in Berkeley has developed an innovative system that uses solar energy to convert CO₂ to hydrocarbonsas Hepth and Ethylene, fundamental in the production of Liquid and plastic fuels.
Inspired by the natural process of photosynthesisthrough which plants transform light into energy, scientists have created revolutionary technology. But what are its distinctive characteristics and what applications could have in the near future?
A system based on copper nano-fiori to imitate photosynthesis
To reproduce the artificial photosynthesisthe researchers developed some Flower -shaped copper structuresthink for capture solar energy and convert it into fuel. The heart of this technology is one Solar cell in Perovskitecombined with tiny copper catalystscalled dwarf.
In addition to these innovative components, scientists have introduced Electrodes in silicon nanophilicapable of oxidizing the glycerol Instead of splitting the water, a much less efficient process. This combination has made it possible to develop a system with a hydrocarbons production capacity 200 times higher compared to previous models.
According to the Dr. Virgil Andreiof the Department of Chemistry Yusuf Hamied of the University of Cambridge, the team did not limit itself to reducing the CO₂, but aimed at creation of more complex hydrocarbons. However, to obtain this result, a significantly greater energy intake is needed.
Industrial applications: from fuels to pharmaceutical products
One of the main advantages of this innovation is the ability to produce complex hydrocarbonslike Hythan and ethylenewidely used in production of fuels and plastics. But the potential of this technology go far beyond.
THE nano-row of copper also allow you to generate by -products of great valueincluding lactate, glycated and formpediatedused in the sectors pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical. In addition, the glyceroloften considered a industrial refusalproved to be a precious ally for improve chemical reaction ratesopening new prospects for the enhancement of chemical waste.
A further crucial aspect of this technology is his environmental sustainability: the system works exclusively with Co₂, water and glycerolwithout issuing additional carbon emissions, making it a method completely ecological.
This innovation could represent a turning point in the energy transition and in the Fight against climate change. Today, most hydrocarbons derive from fossil fuelsbut this new technology offers an alternative solution cleaner and sustainable.
Despite the current selectivity rate, it is approximately 10%researchers are confident of being able to further improve the efficiency of catalysts. Furthermore, the expansion of the platform a more complex organic reactions could lead to revolutionary developments in the production of energy carbon neutral.
