Scientists Successfully Synthesize Molecule Advancing Artificial Sunlight Harvesting Technology

In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers from the University of Basel has created a unique molecule that can store four charges (two positive and two negative) under light irradiation. This discovery, published in the journal "Nature Chemistry", is a significant step towards the creation of artificial photosynthesis.

The inspiration for this research comes from the natural process of photosynthesis, where plants convert CO2 into energy-rich sugar molecules using sunlight. The goal is to replicate this process to produce energy-rich compounds like hydrogen, methanol, or synthetic gasoline using sunlight.

The molecule, designed by the researchers, consists of five parts linked in a row, each with a specific function. When light is shone upon the molecule, a building block in the middle initiates an electron transfer reaction. This reaction triggers the creation of one positive and one negative charge.

Two parts on one side of the molecule donate electrons and become positively charged, while two parts on the other side accept the electrons and become negatively charged. The temporary storage of multiple charges is essential for converting sunlight into chemical energy.

The charges in the molecule remain stable long enough to be used for further chemical reactions. To double the number of charges, the researchers use two light flashes. The first light flash triggers a reaction that produces one positive and one negative charge, while the second light flash triggers the same reaction again, resulting in two positive and two negative charges.

This research provides new insights into the electron transfers central to artificial photosynthesis. While the new molecule has not yet created a functioning artificial photosynthesis system, it has identified an important puzzle piece.

Prof. Dr. Marc Majerus and his team at the University of Freiburg are now working on developing a molecule that can simultaneously store four charges under light exposure and aim to apply this concept to producing CO2-neutral fuels. The researchers hope to contribute to new perspectives for a sustainable energy future.

When burned, these solar fuels only produce as much CO2 as was used to produce them, making them CO2-neutral. This feature makes them an attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuels in the pursuit of a greener energy future.

Scientists Successfully Synthesize Molecule Advancing Artificial Sunlight Harvesting Technology