Molecule mimics the storage of vegetable energy for the development of solar rounds
A research team from the University of Basel has created a new molecule that replicates an important step in natural photosynthesis by storing two positive and two negative loads under exposure to light. The discovery could become a basis for producing carbon -neutral sunscreen such as hydrogen, methanol and synthetic gasoline.
Photosynthesis in plants converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy -rich sugars, so that almost all life is preserved. Researchers want to imitate this process for the production of renewable energy, which generates fuels that only release the CO2 that are used to make them.
In their new study published in Nature Chemistry, Professor Oliver Wenger and PhD student Mathis Brandis describe a five -part molecular structure that efficiently distributes loads. Two components on one final delivery electrons to form positive loads, while two components accept the other electrons and form negative loads. A central unit absorbs lights and initiates the load transfer.
The team used two consecutive flashes to activate the reaction. The first pulse produced one positive and one negative charge, while the second repeated the process, giving the molecule a total of four loads.
“This step -by -step excitation makes it possible to use considerably dimmer light. As a result, we are already coming close to the intensity of sunlight,” said Brandlin. He noted that earlier methods required powerful laser light, making them impractical. The stored loads in the molecule remain stable long enough to drive further chemical reactions, such as splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Although the molecule does not yet reach a complete artificial photosynthesis, Wenger emphasized its importance: “We have identified and implemented an important piece of the puzzle. We hope that this will help us contribute to new prospects for a sustainable energy -coming perspel.”
Research report:Photo -induced double charge accumulation in a molecular connection
