Artificial Photosynthesis Breakthrough Converts CO2 to Ethylene with Record Efficiency
Ateam of researchers at the University of Michigan has developed an artificial photosynthesis system that converts carbon dioxideinto ethylene with unprecedented efficiency, a key step in utilizing CO2 to create sustainable fuels.
The ability to link carbon atoms together is crucial for repurposing carbondioxide into sustainable fuels. Now, researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an artificial photosynthesis system that can efficiently combine two carbon atoms into a hydrocarbon, a breakthroughwith significant implications for combating climate change.
This groundbreaking system outperforms other artificial photosynthesis systems in terms of efficiency, yield, and longevity when producing ethylene. As ethylene is a hydrocarbon commonly used in plastics, a direct application of this system would beto collect CO2, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, and use it to manufacture plastics.
This performance, or activity and stability, is five to six times higher than what is typically reported for solar or light-drivenCO2 reduction to ethylene, said Zetian Mi, a professor in the University of Michigan’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the corresponding author of the study published in Nature Synthesis. Ethylene is actually the highest-volume organic compound in the world. But it’s typically produced from petroleum and naturalgas at high temperatures and pressures, all of which release CO2.
The research team’s device utilizes a combination of gallium nitride nanowires grown on silicon wafers, a catalyst, and a special electrolyte. When sunlight shines on the device, it triggers a chemical reaction that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.The hydrogen then reacts with CO2, converting it into ethylene.
This is a significant step forward in the development of artificial photosynthesis, said Yuyang Pan, a doctoral student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a co-author of the study. Our system is not only efficient but also stable,which is crucial for its long-term viability.
The researchers are currently working on scaling up the system to make it commercially viable. They believe that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce fuels and chemicals, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
References:
- Pan, Y.,et al. (2024). Highly efficient and stable artificial photosynthesis for ethylene production. Nature Synthesis. [DOI: 10.1038/s44160-024-00311-7]
- University of Michigan. (2024). Artificial Photosynthesis Breakthrough Converts CO2 to Ethylene with Record Efficiency. [Press Release]
Image Credits:
- University of Michigan Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Silvia Cardarelli.
- SciTechDaily.
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