Scientists have created small copper structures like flowers, which can help solve two biggest challenges of human beings: climate change and sustainable fuel production. In a study published by natural catalytic, researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of California Berkeley showed how these micro -metal flowers used only sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into valuable fuels and chemicals.
This innovation combines artificial leaves and copper “nano-flow” made of late solar cell materials. The leaf is the same as the molecular found in fossil fuels that convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons. Compared with previous methods, this method is unique in that it has the ability to produce more complex and valuable molecules.
The chief author of the study said: “We want to surpass basic carbon dioxide restores and produce more complex hydrocarbons, but this requires more energy.”
The research team solves this energy challenge by developing a system that develops a carbon dioxide (usually considered a waste product) to solve this energy challenge. This combination makes the reaction efficiency 200 times higher than the previous method.
“Glycerin is usually considered a waste, but here, glycerin plays a vital role in increasing the reaction rate,” Anre explained. “This shows that we can apply our platform to not only the broad chemical process of waste conversion. By carefully designing the surface area of the catalyst, we can affect the products we generate, so that the process is more selective.”
Artificial leaves use high -efficiency solar cell materials called perovskite, and are combined with specially designed copper nanoscular flow. They can convert carbon dioxide and water into ethylene and ethylene-make fuels, chemicals and plastic key components-instead of generating additional carbon emissions.
Although the current system converts about 10 % carbon dioxide into useful products, the researchers are optimistic about improving design. This technology can eventually help create a circular economy, which is continuously recovered by carbon dioxide into valuable materials and fuels.
Andre said: “This project is a good example of how the global research partnership has led to influential scientific progress.” “By combining the professional knowledge of Cambridge and Berkeley, we have developed a system. Production fuel and valuable chemicals to reshape the shape.
The study was supported by the Winton Sustainable Physics Program, St. John College, the US Department of Energy, the European Research Commission and the British research and innovation (UKRI).
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