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2-electron chemical reactions using light energy and gold
Under the right conditions, gold nanoparticles absorb light and transfer electrons to other reactants. This process can be used to convert carbon dioxide and water into hydrocarbons. In this graphic, carbon atoms are black, oxygen atoms are red and hydrogen atoms are white.
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Scientists are one step closer to building a carbon-recycling system that can harvest solar energy to efficiently convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into liquid fuels. By optimizing many parts of the system, the researchers say, they can now drive two-electron chemical reactions, a substantial advance over one-electron reactions, which are energy inefficient.
According to University of Illinois chemistry professor Prashant Jain, who led the research, the research will aid those hoping to find a way to convert excess CO2 in the atmosphere into useful energy sources. However, while the new findings represent an important step forward, Jain says much more work must be done before this technology is ready to be employed and scaled up to meet current challenges.
The research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation.
Read more about this research in the University of Illinois news story Team achieves two-electron chemical reactions using light energy, gold. (Date image taken: 2018; date originally posted to NSF Multimedia Gallery: Aug. 22, 2018)
Credit: Graphic by Sungju Yu; Jain Lab; University of Illinois
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