Hong Kong team uses photocatalysis to make carbon-neutral fuel
Scientists at the University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong have developed an artificial photocatalytic system for solar energy conversion. The innovation, inspired by nature, promises a path towards renewable, carbon-neutral fuel production.
Professor David Lee Phillips of the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with researchers from Jiangsu University, City University of Hong Kong, and Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, have announced a pioneering development in sustainable solar energy conversion. Their innovative artificial photocatalytic system could potentially contribute to the production of carbon-neutral fuels, signaling a significant breakthrough in combating climate change.
The research is centered around converting solar energy into energy-rich compounds, much like photosynthesis in nature, but more efficiently. The scientists looked to an unlikely source for inspiration – Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a bacterium found in soil and freshwater. This bacterium employs a unique structure known as ‘spherical light-harvesting chromatophore’ that captures sunlight with exceptional efficiency due to its ‘spherical antenna effect’.
Capitalizing on this natural mechanism, the team has designed a self-assembling artificial spherical chromatophore nanomicelle system, which could potentially herald a new era in solar energy conversion. This system comprises tiny nanomicelles self-assembled in water, which mimic the bacteria’s light-harvesting chromatophores.
These nanomicelles interact with a cobalt-based catalyst, leading to a unique hierarchical assembly that enhances the system’s ability to capture and utilise energy for photocatalytic processes. Remarkably, this high-efficiency system is not only stable and recyclable but also does not rely on precious metals, making it a more sustainable and economically viable option.
“We’ve made significant strides towards unlocking the full potential of solar energy conversion,” said Professor Lili Du of Jiangsu University, an HKU PhD Alumna. She further emphasized the significance of the research, stating, “Improving photocatalytic efficiency and stability can overcome limitations and create a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. This research offers promising practical applications in fuel production, carbon capture, and environmental remediation.”
Phillips echoed these sentiments. “Our research has the potential to advance renewable energy by replicating nature’s efficient light-harvesting mechanisms. This could lead to sustainable solutions for our energy needs and the production of carbon-neutral fuels, contributing to a greener future,” he said.
These findings, published in Nature Catalysis, provide a blueprint for an efficient artificial photocatalytic system based on cheap and Earth-abundant elements. This research promises a step towards a future where the world’s dependence on fossil fuels could be significantly reduced.
Professor David Lee Philips was awarded the Croucher Senior Research Fellowship in 2006. His Croucher profile is here. For more information about the research, a link to the scientific paper is here.