Solar chemical
Solar chemical refers to a number of possible processes that harness solar energy by absorbing sunlight in a chemical reaction in a way similar to photosynthesis in plants but without using living organisms. It is also called artificial photosynthesis.[1] No practical process has yet emerged.
A promising approach is to use focused sunlight to provide the energy needed to split water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a metallic catalyst such as zinc. This is normally done in a two step process so that hydrogen and oxygen are not produced in the same chamber leading to potentially explosive consequences.
It is also possible to use solar light to drive industrial chemical reactions and applications without a requirement for fossil fuel.
[edit] Sunlight energy storing chemicals
Photodimerization is the light induced formation of dimers. As early as 1909, the dimerization of anthracene into dianthracene was investigated as a means of storing solar energy. The photodimerization of the naphthalene series has also been investigated.[2]
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Anthracene dimerization
Photoisomerization is the light induced formation of isomers. Various ketones, azepines and norbornadienes among other compounds have been investigated as potential energy storing isomers.[3] The norbornadiene-quadricyclane couple is of most potential interest for solar energy storage processes. The controlled release of the strain energy stored in quadricyclane (about 110 k J/mole) back to norbornadiene is made possible. Also, many different derivatives of norbornadiene has been investigated for this reaction.
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Norbornadiene - Quadricyclane couple is of potential interest of sunlight energy storage
[edit] References
- ^ Magnuson A et al. Biomimetic and Microbial Approaches to Solar Fuel Generation. Accounts of Chemical Research 2009; 42(12) 1899-1908
- ^ Bolton, James (1977). Solar Power and Fuels. Academic Press, Inc.. ISBN 0121123502., p. 235-237
- ^ Bolton, James (1977). Solar Power and Fuels. Academic Press, Inc.. ISBN 0121123502., p. 238-240
[edit] External links
- ANU Thermochemical energy storage system - Australian National University, Canberra.
- Laboratory for Solar Technology - Paul Scherrer Institute , Villigen, Switzerland.
- Power & Energy Magazine , March 2004 article on Paul Scherrer Institute work
- Solar Chemistry Project Plataforma Solar de Almería, Spain,
- Isracast - Israel,
- Hydrogen Solar- UK.
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