What is artificial photosynthesis?
plants gain their energy in a way that is very different from the way people gain energy. When one needs energy, eats food. When the plant needs energy, it uses the process of photosynthesis to occupy carbon dioxide from the environment and convert it to sugars using sunlight, a type of energy it needs to maintain life. Scientists are working to replicate the photosynthesis process, trying to use the solar energy of a new, efficient and environmentally friendly way, and artificial research of photosynthesis has brought interesting results.
The ability to produce artificial photosynthesis was first announced in 2000, although the research was previously in planning phases. Scientists relied on the effect of Honda-Fujishima, which was discovered in 1953 and uses titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst accelerates the processes of light and in this case energy.
because of the scientific and commercial interest in artificial Photosynthesis and the desire for potential new products that couldY to result, the research field was divided into two sides. This brought two different results: photoelectrochemical cells and solar cells sensitized to dyes. Each cell works on different principles, but tries to get the same result: artificial photosynthetic energy that can be used and saved for later use, which would reduce the world dependence on non -renewable energy sources.
Photoelectrochemic cells, also referred to as a furnace, use the electricity of water to form hydrogen and oxygen in a process called electrolysis. Electricity can then be placed in a hydrogen that is an "energy carrier", and energy can be used later, for example in batteries. There are two types of a furnace, one that uses semiconductor surfaces to absorb solar energy and helps to divide the water molecules for energy consumption. The second variety uses Dissolved metals to draw solar energy and start the process of artificial photosntes. The most common metal catalysts for this type of reaction are cobalt and rhodium. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that these metals are the most effective for this type of work.
The second type of cell, solar cell sensitized to dyes, is sometimes called the cell Gratzel or Graetzel cell. Like the furnace, they use artificial photosynthesis cells of sensitized dyes to collect energy, usually silicon. In the cells sensitized to dyes, the semiconductor is used to transport the collected energy and the photoelectrons or energy particles are separated and used by special dyes. Gratzel cells are considered to be the most effective form of artificial photosynthesis that is currently available, and also the most effective for production. The disadvantages are mainly due to temperature concerns related to liquid dyes, as these may free freezes at lower temperatures and end of energy production and expansion at higher temperatures and breaking.
Research withIt performs in the field of artificial photosynthesis, especially in an effort to find better catalysts and mechanisms of energy transport. Although they are not available in the most effective form of energy production, they are still very interested in their high potential yield, low production costs and possible environmental consequences. If artificial photosynthesis could be accessible and reliable, the world dependence on non -renewable fossil fuels could be significantly reduced.