New article: An artificial photosynthesis convert generate greenhouse gases into clean air read more at here http://www.spinonews.com/index.php/science/item/3356-an-artificial-photosynthesis-convert-generate-greenhouse-gases-into-clean-air

A Florida professor found a way to develop an artificial photosynthesis using a new synthetic material. The method could be used to convert generate greenhouse gases into clean air and producing energy all at the same time.

Fernando Uribe-Romo, a research professor at the University of Central Florida, and his team created a new type of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) material that breaks down carbon dioxide into harmless organic materials. The new artificial photosynthesis process similar to the way plants convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight into food. But, instead of producing food, produces solar fuel.

Materials capable of absorbing energy from the visible range of natural light, from violet to red wavelengths, include platinum, rhenium and iridium. Unfortunately, these materials are rare and expensive.

Researchers used titanium, a non-toxic material, to create a new composite MOF material by incorporating light-absorbing molecules called N-alkyl-2-aminoterephthalates, can be designed to absorb blue light.

[A new technique changes the color of assembled nanoparticles]

In lab tests, researchers put the material in a chamber with CO2 and bathed it in artificial blue light. The light triggered the chemical reaction and converted the carbon dioxide into two simpler carbon compounds, formate and formamides both which can be used as solar fuel.

Uribe-Romo wants to see if the other wavelengths of visible light may also trigger the reaction with adjustments to the synthetic material. If it works, the process could be a significant way to help reduce greenhouse gases.

 

He said, the goal is to continue to fine-tune the approach so we can create greater amounts of reduced carbon so it is more efficient.

More information: [Journal of Materials Chemistry A]