Inspired by plants, scientists recreate first step of photosynthesis – Interesting Engineering

The first step involves capturing sunlight using chlorophyll.19 hours ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago10 hours ago10 hours ago11 hours ago12 hours ago14 hours ago14 hours ago15 hours ago15 hours ago15 hours ago16 hours agoTejasri GururajPlants use photosynthesis to produce useful energy. (Representational image)megakunstfoto/iStockPhotosynthesis refers to the process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy. The process not only produces energy, but also cleans out the atmosphere by releasing oxygen.Now, researchers from the Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg in Germany and Yonsei University in Korea have artificially mimicked a portion of the photosynthesis process.Artificial photosynthesis can harness nature’s approach to energy conversion and improve it for human needs, such as addressing environmental challenges.It offers a new path for tackling problems like carbon management and sustainable energy using abundant resources, like water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight.The researchers have managed to recreate the first step of the photosynthesis process—the capture and transfer of light energy.In simple terms, plants take carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. Using sunlight and chlorophyll, which is the green pigment in plant cells, these ingredients are transformed into sugar molecules, which is their food, and oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere.With multiple layers of complexity, it is a process defined by a series of advanced steps.The first step involves capturing sunlight using chlorophyll, which acts like solar panels inside plant cells. When sunlight hits these chlorophyll molecules, the electrons in the molecules gain energy or become energized.With this extra energy, the electrons leave the chlorophyll molecule and begin moving through the plant’s machinery.To replace these energized electrons, electrons from water molecules are pulled. This splits water molecules into oxygen, which is released into the air, and hydrogen components.The electrons produced from sunlight are then used to convert the carbon dioxide from the air to sugar molecules—their primary food source.The researchers mimicked the first step of the process—energizing electrons and their subsequent transport.A stack of four artificial dye molecules was synthesized from perylene bisimide, a synthetic dye compound. These molecules, with their impressive stability under light exposure, high absorption capabilities, and strong electron affinity, make them an ideal choice for this purpose.The four dye molecules are stacked to be structurally similar to the photosynthetic setup in plants. This means that light hitting the structure at one end triggers the process of electron energization and separation.These electrons move along the structure to reach the other end. This structure functions as a microscopic energy transfer system, enabling seamless and efficient energy transfer, similar to plants.“We can specifically trigger the charge transport in this structure with light and have analyzed it in detail. It is efficient and fast. This is an important step towards the development of artificial photosynthesis,” said co-author student Leander Ernst from JMU in a press release.Their next goal is to expand the system, adding more components to fabricate a supramolecular wire that captures and transfers light energy efficiently over greater distances. This next step is important for developing novel photofunctional materials for artificial photosynthesis.The study is published in Nature Chemistry. Tejasri Gururaj Tejasri is a versatile science writer dedicated to making complex research accessible and engaging for all. She earned her Master’s in Physics from NIT Karnataka, giving her a strong foundation for translating intricate scientific concepts into clear insights.Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.By clicking sign up, you confirm that you accept this site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days agoLoading opportunities…PremiumIE PROFollow

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/science/artificial-photosynthesis-plants-energy