Researchers use sunlight to produce chemicals and energy
Monday, April 4, 2016 - 05:00
in Physics & Chemistry
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural process they describe as "reverse photosynthesis," by which the energy in solar rays breaks down plant biomass rather than building it, as is the case with photosynthesis. The sunlight is collected by chlorophyll, the same molecule used in photosynthesis. Combined with a specific enzyme, the energy of sunlight breaks down plant biomass, with possible applications in chemicals, biofuels or other products that take a long time to produce. By increasing production speed and reducing pollution, the discovery has the potential to revolutionize industrial production. The research results have now been published in Nature Communications.