Skip to content

Renewable Energy

Hybrid energy: bacteria+solar harvesting!

by Paul Robinson 21 Apr 2015
Hybrid  energy: bacteria+solar harvesting!

The researchers’ diagram illustrates a phase of harvesting at a photoanode, followed by a reduction (2), in which the traditional Hill Reaction occurs to absorb carbon dioxide with released hydrogen from water. Then (3), the acetyl co-enzyme A is created, again as in normal photosynthesis and abracadabra, any oil product can be mimicked (4)! Berkeley’s image; Credit: © Nano Lett, 2015 American Chemical Society

Often have we travelled along the leafy paths of photosynthesis, seeking the golden fleece of energy. With hydrogen catalysts and CO2 absorbers, artificial leaves for sticking in ponds or complex substrates for large-scale production, few researchers ever kept the original photosynthesisers. Now a hybrid system is said to be the next big thing in renewables, using the bacterial action of Sporosoma ovata and a nanotechnology of silicon and titanium oxide wire. Just one technique involved could appropriate carbon dioxide emissions and convert them into fuel.

The light-capturing wire absorbs energy for the bacteria, which are then naturally able to use the energy interfaceto build carbon dioxide into acetate ions. These products normally convert via acetyl co-enzyme A to various carbohydrates or other bacterial products, depending on species. In this case, Lui Chong and his colleagues from the University of California, Berkeley, US, have persuaded the hybrid system, aerobically and at neutral pH, to be very stable in synthesising n-butanol, a PHB polymer and 3 natural isoprenoids. These alcohols and acids are just the beginning of a huge range of possible organic fuels and polymers that would be capable of cheaply undercutting the oil industry. The important paper can be read as Nanowire–Bacteria Hybrids for Unassisted Solar Carbon Dioxide Fixation to Value-Added Chemicals.

Using a hybrid system has transformed the green car market, so we can imagine great progress once this idea takes hold outside of Berkeley with different bacteria and any fuel imaginable. The products of artificial leaves were seen here as the fuel source for hydrogen–powered cars. Hopefully the carbon dioxide production of all such fuels will always be zero, following the last thousand years of bitter experience.

Other closely-related fields of research that may still prove positive were hinted at from our articles on the historyof use of expensive metals in artificial photosynthesis, from platinum and iridium to titanium and magnesium!


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping