Up-scaling the production of solar fuels
Themes: Energy
Late prototype
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?
Converting solar energy, water and CO2 with artificial photosynthesis into high energy density fuels such as H2 and CH4 promises to enable short and long term solar energy storage.
How?
Our artificial photosynthesis device uses only earth abundant materials and cheap, scalable fabrication techniques. The use of a bipolar membrane enables individual optimization of reaction properties at each electrode, enabling unique overall system efficiency.
When?
A full scale and fully functioning 10 cm2 prototype with an efficiency of 2% has been developed. This prototype is ready for further commercialisation. Research will continue on the underlying fundamentals and the reduction of CO2.
Dr. Wilson Smith