In the past, we’ve covered artificial photosynthesis and how it sheds new light on providing clean, renewable energy. Today, we look to reverse photosynthesis, a new technology that helps to turn dirty fuel into the clean.
The petrochemical industry currently uses petroleum and natural gas for producing chemicals which are indispensable for society but equally harmful for the climate. In a revolutionary breakthrough, Danish researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a process called reverse photosynthesis that would help in the creation of chemicals and biofuels in a much more environmental friendly way.
Photosynthesis is the process in which plants absorb sunlight and transform it into energy. Reverse Photosynthesis, however, is a process where sunlight’s energy breaks down the plant material as opposed to building it up, and is combined with a natural enzyme. The end product can then be utilized as bio fuels, chemicals and other products.
The energy stored in solar rays breaks down the plant material instead of building it. For example, a certain amount of biomass like wood is mixed with an enzyme called monooxygenases. Then chlorophyll, the same molecule used in photosynthesis is added and it is then put in sunlight. The result would be a more rapid, less polluted, and more energy proficient production of industrial biofuel like plastics or chemicals.
Lead researcher, Claus Felby, said that this is a game changer, and one which could transform the industrial production of fuels and chemicals, thus serving to reduce pollution significantly
This wonderful invention is likely to boost up production speed, reduce energy consumption and decrease pollution thereby paving a new radical way for industrial production.