Panasonic's Artificial Photosynthesis Converts CO2 Into Useful Chemicals

Panasonic is now investing in Photosynthetic research. The company has come up with 'Artificial Photosynthesis' technique that converts carbon dioxide into formic acid in the presence of water, nitride semiconductors and a metallic catalyst. The splitting of water by nitride semiconductor on exposure to light generates oxygen, hydrogen ions and electrons. These are then used separately for reducing carbon dioxide waste from industries into formic acid. Since the procedure includes inorganic materials which release electrons to reduce carbon dioxide, the amount of product generated is proportional to the power of light applied. Increased light power on nitride semiconductor would result in increased production of electrons and hydrogen ions, which would in turn reduce a larger amount of carbon dioxide into formic acid.

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Carbon Dioxide into Formic Acid

<span style="text-align: left;">The produced acid can then be used in production of dyes, fragrances, cleaning products,etc. The real catch is that the procedure has an efficiency of .2% which is comparable to the efficiency of real plants. Though a lot of research had been done on the topic in past, but a rate higher than .04% of efficiency could not be reached.</span>
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