Recently, highly qualified scientists have developed a new, innovative method to directly convert sunlight into fuel. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The molecule used in this research could play an important role in artificial photosynthesis processes in the future. Scientists hope this discovery will be a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources.
Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland, inspired by the natural photosynthesis process, created a unique molecule. According to ScienceDaily, this scientific achievement is considered highly significant in the fields of artificial photosynthesis and carbon-neutral fuel production.
In nature, during photosynthesis, plants absorb energy from sunlight and produce sugar molecules from carbon dioxide. Humans and animals consume these sugars and release carbon dioxide back, ensuring a natural cycle.
Scientists aim to artificially replicate this process to produce "solar fuel" such as hydrogen, methanol, or synthetic gasoline. When these fuels are used, only the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during their production is released, keeping the fuel carbon-neutral.
A scientific team led by Professor Oliver Wenger presented a molecule capable of collecting four charges simultaneously in the journal Nature Chemistry. This process is necessary to convert light into chemical energy, as the charges initiate reactions like splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The created molecule consists of five parts arranged in a strict sequence. On one side, two segments release electrons and acquire a positive charge, while on the opposite side, two segments accept electrons and become negatively charged.
The central part absorbs light and begins electron transfer. The researchers applied a two-step strategy to collect four charges simultaneously.
The first light pulse generates positive and negative charges on opposite sides of the molecule, and the second pulse repeats the process, providing the molecule with four charges. This new method allows working with weak light closer to natural sunlight.
Previously, such experiments required powerful lasers, limiting their practical application. Additionally, the charges in the molecule remain stable for a long time, facilitating subsequent chemical reactions.
This discovery opens new opportunities for creating environmentally friendly energy and will serve to develop efficient and convenient artificial fuel systems for human life in the future.
