Scientists invented a technology that generates high-value fuels and chemicals through a chemical process that turns sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into acetate and oxygen.
The project’s goals include reducing the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, securing urgently needed renewable energy supplies, and reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. The conversion can occur without the need for organic additives, the production of toxins, or the use of electricity thanks to the use of bacteria that are grown on a synthetic semiconductor device known as a photocatalyst sheet.
Dr. Kalathil said: “Several incidents have demonstrated the fragility of the global energy supply, such as recent soaring gas prices in the UK, the outbreak of conflicts and civil wars in the Middle East, and the ecological and humanitarian threat of a nuclear meltdown in Fukushima, Japan. The search for alternative energy sources is therefore of major global importance.
“Our research directly addresses the global energy crisis and climate change facing today’s society. We need to develop new technologies to address these grand challenges without further polluting the planet we live on.“As well as securing additional much-needed energy supplies, our sustainable technology can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and play a key role in the global drive to achieve net zero.”
Although intermittent, electricity generation from renewable sources like wind and solar has increased. We need technologies that can produce stable fuels and sustainable chemicals to fill the void left when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining.
The strengths of microorganisms, synthetic materials, and analytical tools for chemical transformation are combined in this developing area of research, which offers an ideal foundation for the large-scale production of high-value, environmentally friendly fuels and chemicals. Our ultimate goal is to develop our technology on a commercial basis, and we’re already in talks with worldwide chemical and cosmetic firms.
Click here for the published research paper.
