Characterizing Photocatalysts -Evaluating Physical Properties-
Artificial Photosynthesis
Artificial photosynthesis is a technique to capture energy from the sun and store it chemically. It is expected to become the 4th renewable energy source along with photovoltaic, solar thermal, and biomass.
Shimadzu is collaborating with leading researchers and scientists to determine their needs and to develop novel analytical methods for the analysis of photosynthesis processes. Shimadzu offers a range of instruments used for research on artificial photosynthesis.
Analytical Solutions for Artificial Photosynthesis
Artificial photosynthesis is a technology that artificially performs photosynthesis using photocatalysts and sunlight. It is expected to be a next-generation renewable energy technology because it can convert light energy into useful compounds. Research is being conducted using artificial photosynthesis to produce "green hydrogen", which is hydrogen that does not emit carbon dioxide during production. It is also possible to generate useful compounds such as carbon monoxide, alcohols, formic acid, and hydrocarbons by reducing carbon dioxide. However, there are significant challenges in terms of cost and efficiency compared to conventional manufacturing processes when it comes to implementing it into society. To achieve the benchmark energy conversion efficiency of 10 % for practical implementation of artificial photosynthesis, it is essential to develop photocatalysts that can effectively utilize sunlight with a wide range of wavelength distributions and construct reaction systems with higher efficiency.
Catalytic reactions are largely related to the properties and characteristics of the catalyst itself. Characterizing photocatalysts is indispensable for designing the target artificial photosynthetic system. In addition to evaluating physical properties, such as surface area and light absorption characteristics, we describe a method for evaluating the active states, which are analyzed in a state of photo-excitation.
-
-
Characterizing Photocatalysts -Evaluating their Active States-
Quantitating the products of an artificial photosynthetic reaction makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of the reaction caused by the photocatalyst. Here we describe methods for quantitating the hydrogen produced by the decomposition of water, as well as carbon monoxide, formic acid, alcohol, hydrocarbons, and other materials obtained by reducing carbon dioxide.
The quantum yield of a photoreaction allows an evaluation of the photon utilization efficiency, which is used as an index of the energy conversion efficiency of the artificial photosynthetic system. The number of photons absorbed, and the amount of hydrogen generated, both required for calculating the quantum yield of the photoreaction, can be measured using the Lightway system and a GC, respectively. Combining measurements taken with these two instruments enables an evaluation of the hydrogen generating system’s reaction efficiency.
-
-
-
Analysis of Inorganic Gases and Hydrocarbons
-