Application of Artificial Photosynthesis

The fossil fuels are limited in quantity, as well as its use increases the level of pollution and contributes towards global warming. Not only the natural resources but also the renewable sources also cause different types of problems and pollution too. Whereas, Artificial Photosynthesis could contribute to minimizing the level of pollution and other causes.

The Artificial Photosynthesis has benefited over Photovoltaic Cell, which is used in Solar Panels nowadays. These Photovoltaic Cell directly converts sunlight into electricity and makes it weather and time-dependent mode of energy, and with time it loses its efficiency. In contrast to this, Artificial Photosynthesis is a process which could store the energy produced. And unlike other sources which produce energy, Artificial Photosynthesis can produce more than one type of fuel simultaneously.

The Artificial Photosynthesis process breaks the reaction between Sunlight, Carbon Dioxide, and Water in such a way that it produces ‘Liquid Hydrogen’ as well. This Liquid Hydrogen can be used as a gasoline fuel in Hydrogen powered engines. It can also be used in a fuel-cell setup, which can easily reverse the process of Photosynthesis. Hydrogen Fuel cell can generate electricity that we used to use in our houses and run up our electronic gadgets like Air conditioners and Geysers.

The other possible outcome of Artificial Photosynthesis process is ‘Methanol’. The Photosynthesis process can release Methanol (CH3OH) as well in the place of Liquid Hydrogen. Methanol or Methyl Alcohol can be extracted from the Methane in Natural Gas. As well Methanol can be used in commercial purpose to make it burn more cleanly. And some cars can even run particularly on Methanol.

After so much success, the experiment is not on that stage that Artificial Photosynthesis could be used to generate and harness energy on a large scale.

Future of Artificial Photosynthesis

As I mentioned above that Artificial Photosynthesis is in its experimental phase, so there has been a continuous improvement is going on in this field. The main reason for focusing over Artificial Photosynthesis process is that it is much cheaper, lighter, and more environmentally friendly as compared to Solar Panel technology or nano-particles molecules.

The Artificial Photosynthesis process can be used widely in the future because it not only provides a renewable energy source and minimizes the use of natural resources and save it for future as well, but also the application of artificial photosynthesis on a large scale could reverse or minimize the level of global warming hugely, as this process eliminates Carbon Dioxide and produces Oxygen.

As per the scientists who are working over this experiment, are expecting a positive result and being hopeful that in near future with the process of Artificial Photosynthesis, the whole world can be able to grow and use the fuel freely. It not only solves the problem of fuel but also balances the disturbances that have occurred in the earth’s climate. Artificial Photosynthesis can contribute towards the Carbon-Neutral Future by consuming the Carbon emission and releases the Oxygen.

Advantages of Artificial Photosynthesis

1. Can immediately convert and store Solar Energy.

2. The Sunlight can be converted into electricity and then can be re-converted into Chemical Energy to store into the Photovoltaic Cells.

3. All the by-products in Artificial Photosynthesis process are environment-friendly and can be used directly for the purpose.

4. The by-products can be used for transportation purpose or as fuel at home because these are the carbon-neutral source of energy.

Disadvantages of Artificial Photosynthesis

1. The catalyst and materials used during the Artificial Photosynthesis process are very much prone to corrosion in water. So, these are less stable than Photovoltaic cell for a longer period of time.

2. The Hydrogen catalyst is very reactive with Oxygen, so it might get degraded or become inactive in the presence of Oxygen, as well as causes damage to the process.

3. As the process is in the experimental phase, its price of conducting the process is quite high as compared to the other natural fossil fuels.

4. So, the process cannot be used for commercial purpose at this stage.