Researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in collaboration with several academic partners, have unveiled significant advancements in artificial photosynthesis, demonstrating the capacity to transform CO₂ into valuable hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene.
Published recently in Nature Catalysis, the study highlights a novel system that employs nanostructured copper and perovskite materials to mimic the light-capturing abilities of chlorophyll, the green pigment that drives photosynthesis in plants. This innovative approach not only represents a substantial leap forward in energy research but also aligns with broader sustainability goals by utilising just sunlight, CO₂, and water.
The new system integrates perovskite materials, which are recognised for their efficacy in photovoltaic applications, with unique “nanoflower” copper electrocatalysts. This design draws inspiration from natural enzymes that facilitate photosynthesis, hence enhancing the device’s functionality. Unlike traditional metal catalysts, copper’s design enables the synthesis of more complex hydrocarbons with two carbon atoms, essential for producing various fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough expands the landscape of clean energy production, paving the way for the creation of environmentally friendly materials without additional carbon emissions.
This research is a crucial component of the Liquid Sunlight Alliance (LiSA), a collaborative initiative founded by the U.S. Department of Energy. LiSA aims to foster advancements in solar fuels through interdisciplinary research, uniting over 100 scientists from various institutions, including the California Institute of Technology and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. With a focus on integrating theoretical models with real-time experimental data, LiSA aims to accelerate the progress of solar fuel technologies. Since its inception in 2020, LiSA has allowed for improvements in device performance and materials durability, crucial for the scalability of such innovative systems.
Peidong Yang (right) and Jia-An Lin, a graduate researcher, used lead halide perovskite photoabsorbers, which imitate a leaf’s light absorbing chlorophyll, and electrocatalysts made of copper that resemble tiny flowers. (Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab)
Peidong Yang, a senior scientist at Berkeley Lab and co-author of the study, emphasised that while previous efforts in artificial photosynthesis have often relied on biological materials, the inclusion of copper enhances the system’s durability and stability. Yang’s team is now focusing on increasing the efficiency of this artificial leaf technology and enlarging its size, which will be pivotal for scaling the system to practical applications.
This research not only brings scientists closer to replicating the natural productivity of leaves but also opens new pathways for developing sustainable chemical production methods. The findings represent not just a step towards efficient carbon utilisation but also signify a potential future where energy production and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, addressing global energy needs while mitigating climate change impacts.
