A way to harness the entire spectrum of sunlight for 50 percent more solar power

Researchers have shown, for the first time, that it is possible to collect energy from the entire visible spectrum of sunlight and transform it, quickly and efficiently, into hydrogen for fuel.

Photo by David Monje on Unsplash

Article Highlights

Scientists for the first time have developed a single molecule that can absorb sunlight efficiently and also act as a catalyst to transform solar energy into hydrogen, a clean alternative to fuel for things like gas-powered vehicles
This new molecule collects energy from the entire visible spectrum, and can harness more than 50% more solar energy than current solar cells can. The finding could help humans transition away from fossil fuels and toward energy sources that do not contribute to climate change
“The whole idea is that we can use photons from the sun and transform it into hydrogen. To put it simply, we are saving the energy from sunlight and storing it into chemical bonds so it can be used at a later time,” Turro said
The researchers showed, for the first time, that it is possible to collect energy from the entire visible spectrum of sunlight — including low-energy infrared, a part of the solar spectrum that previously had been difficult to collect — and transform it, quickly and efficiently, into hydrogen. Hydrogen is a clean fuel, meaning it doesn’t produce carbon or carbon dioxide as a byproduct of its use
Turro’s research team figured out how to make a catalyst out of just one molecule — a form of the element rhodium — which means less energy is lost, she said. And they figured out how to collect energy from infrared to ultraviolent — the entire visible spectrum. The system this research team designed is nearly 25 times more efficient with low-energy near-infrared light than previous single-molecule systems operative with ultraviolet photons, according to the study
Before the research team’s finding can be put into real-world applications, Turro said, there is still much work to be done. Rhodium is a rare metal and producing catalysts from rhodium is expensive. The team is working on improving this molecule to produce hydrogen over a longer period of time and is working on building the catalyst out of less expensive materials

The Complete Story: Chemistry finding could make solar energy more efficient

Ohio State University

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Harnessing the entire spectrum of sunlight

Scientists achieve 'world-first' technological breakthrough in quest to extract solar power from space: 'Harnessing the power of space to benefit life on Earth'
This breakthrough shows that it may be possible to harvest solar energy directly from space cost-effectively. Scientists achieve 'world-first' technological breakthrough in quest to extract solar ...
10 Luxury Men’s Skincare Brands You Need To Know
These premium men's skincare brands deliver cutting-edge technology and noticeable results, making them worth the money.
Spring snow, sparkling in the sun, can reveal more than just good skiing conditions
“Snow is an accumulation of ice crystals. When conditions are just right, they act like tiny mirrors. If they are at the right angle, they reflect the sunlight directly towards you and shine like ...
From Nuclear Shadows To Celestial Rays: Navigating The Evolution Of Power – Unravelling The Pioneering Visions
Ever imagined charging your phone just by being outdoors? Welcome to the future of wireless power, not just on Earth but extending into the vastness of space!
How light can vaporize water without the need for heat
It's the most fundamental of processes—the evaporation of water from the surfaces of oceans and lakes, the burning off of fog in the morning sun, and the drying of briny ponds that leaves solid salt ...

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Harnessing the entire spectrum of sunlight

[google_news title=”” keyword=”harnessing the entire spectrum of sunlight” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Transforming solar energy into hydrogen

Energy Minister: Saudi Arabia Prepared to Partner with Everyone to Transport Hydrogen
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman expressed on Sunday the Kingdom’s readiness to partner with everyone to supply the world with all types of energy. Speaking at a panel discussion on ...
Twiggy Forrest’s cautionary tale: Flailing green hydrogen project rips a hole in Labor's plan to turn Australia into a clean energy superpower
Chris Bowen lobbed a lazy $13.7 million at a company that planned to build a giant hydrogen production plant in Brisbane.
The new type of energy we have just discovered: turquoise and we are going to produce it
A new type of energy has been discovered in the United States: it´s turquoise and will change everything in mobility an industry ...
New type of hydrogen discovered by mistake: the dirtiest energy on the planet
A new type of hydrogen has been discovered by mistake, but it´s not good news: it could be the dirtiest energy we have ever seen ...
MIT Technology Review
So let’s dig into ... one. Transforming the global hydrogen economy won’t be fast or cheap, but it is happening. Annual production of low-emissions hydrogen is on track to hit 38 million metric tons ...

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Transforming solar energy into hydrogen

[google_news title=”” keyword=”transforming solar energy into hydrogen” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]

What's Your Reaction?

Don't Like it!

I Like it!

A way to harness the entire spectrum of sunlight for 50 percent more solar power

Ohio State University

The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Harnessing the entire spectrum of sunlight

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Harnessing the entire spectrum of sunlight

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Transforming solar energy into hydrogen

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Transforming solar energy into hydrogen

Leave a Reply