Artificial Photosynthesis using Metal Organic Frameworks
Themes: Energy
Proof of principle
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
Solar-to-chemical energy conversion can be achieved by mimicking the natural photosynthesis in plants by artificial materials. However, the efficiency of this process is still too low for practical implementation.
How?
Nanoporous 3-D metal structures linked by organic units (metal organic frameworks) will be used as photocatalyc materials. By applying high-level spectroscopy, multi-electron charge and proton transfer phenomena responsible for the photo-catalyc cycle will be unraveled.
When?
It's expected that in 20 years we will have an actual device capable of produce chemical fuels from solar energy.
Ir. Jara Garcia Santaclara