Artificial photosynthesis is a biochemical process that mimics plant photosynthesis, to produce energy from resources found on Earth– such as sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. This is a promising new solution in addressing global energy challenges and holds vast potential to revolutionize the energy sector by providing a sustainable and eco-friendly method of producing hydrogen. This article delves into the principles of this technology, the advantages and disadvantages it holds, as well as the future scope of artificial photosynthesis in achieving a greener world.
Principles of Photosynthesis
Plants photosynthesize to produce sugars from water and carbon dioxide, utilizing solar energy from the Sun. Similarly, artificial photosynthesis occurs when photocatalysts absorb light, promoting chemical reactions. It involves two main processes: water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction.
Water Splitting:
This process refers to the photodriven conversion of liquid water (H₂O) into gaseous oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen (H₂)—the hydrogen produced can then be used as a clean fuel. As can be seen in the diagram below, photocatalysts are needed to facilitate the reaction; materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and various metal oxides absorb sunlight.
Carbon Dioxide Reduction:
This process refers to the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into organic compounds like methane, methanol, or other hydrocarbons, which can be used as fuels or chemical feedstocks. Metal complexes such as those containing iron, nickel, or cobalt are seldom used to catalyze the reaction.
Advantages and disadvantages
However, all is not without its challenges– artificial photosynthesis can bring numerous advantages, but it also has its downsides. Below is a summary of the respective advantages and disadvantages this technology entails:
Advantages
Does not produce harmful byproducts
Allows for the generation of hydrogen from simple raw materials
Creates an endless, inexpensive supply of clean fuel
Disadvantages
Inefficiency, slow process
Lower overall energy yields
The catalysts required to split water are expensive
What is the Future Scope of Artificial Photosynthesis?
Hydrogen is a carbon-free energy carrier that can be used to store, move, and deliver energy produced from other sources– on one hand, this may sound promising to pave the way for a greener, sustainable future. However, here comes the main problem; hydrogen is mostly produced from fossil fuels– which releases planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Ideally, we should aim to reduce CO2 emissions whenever possible, and this is what artificial photosynthesis can achieve.
Though more research is needed to effectively implement artificial photosynthesis as a means of producing green hydrogen on a wider scale, there have been numerous advancements over the years.
In 2021, Japan launched a national project that successfully produced large amounts of hydrogen through this method. The experiment was conducted in Ibaraki Prefecture and took 10 years to come to fruition; with Dr. Fujishima Akira, the discoverer of photocatalysis, leading it, the project took more than 150 researchers to accomplish.
Since this technology is in its early stages, it cannot yet be used in large-scale plants thus far. However, other countries in Europe, such as Germany, Spain, and France, have also come to realize the prospects this technology can bring in substantiating clean energy systems and are also working on their R&D of artificial photosynthesis. Continued efforts in this direction is crucial in cultivating a greener world that strives for renewable energy production.
Reference list
Acar, C. and Dincer, I. (2018). Artificial Photosynthesis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online] www.sciencedirect.com. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/artificial-photosynthesis [Accessed 20 Jun. 2024].
Meiji.net:Meiji University |. (2024). March 19, 2024 | Artificial photosynthesis leading to resolution of global energy/environmental problems | Meiji.net:Meiji University. [online] Available at: https://english-meiji.net/articles/4600/ [Accessed 20 Jun. 2024].
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