Artificial Photosynthesis as an Alternative Source of Renewable Energy: Potential and Limitations

Abstract

Artificial photosynthesis system (APS) uses biomimetic systems to duplicate the process of natural photosynthesis that utilizes copious resources of water, carbon dioxide and sunlight to produce oxygen and energy-rich compounds and has potential to be an alternative source of renewable energy. APS like natural photosynthesis includes the splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen, and the reduction of carbon dioxide into various hydrocarbons such as formic acid (HCOOH), methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO), or even pure hydrogen fuel. These processes are accomplished by a handful of device designs, including photoelectrochemical cells or photovoltaic-coupled electrolyzers which are driven by energy extracted from sunlight photons as well as suitable catalysts. Researchers are trying to combine advantageous components from both natural photosynthesis and artificial photosynthesis to create a semi-artificial photosynthesis system, involving the incorporation of enzymes or even whole-cell into synthetic devices. However, there are several limitations to the advancement of this field which are mainly centered on the inability to establish a system that is cost-effective, long-term durable and has the highest efficiency. Artificial photosynthesis devices can also function as atmospheric cleansers by extracting the excess amount of carbon dioxide and releasing back oxygen into the environment. Although there is still a long way to go to empower society with energy supplied through artificial photosynthesis, at the same time it is both desirable and necessary. To date, the efforts to commercialize APS have been fruitful, and it will soon be a viable alternative fuel source.