A group of specialists from the National University of Rosario and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) led by Prof. Sandra Signorella is developing a new method for the production of hydrogen from the artificial replication of the photosynthesis process, as well as a method that simulates natural conditions in which hydrogen is produced and take it to an industrial scale.
The objective of the Institute of Chemistry Rosario’s team is to advance the development of an artificial photosynthetic device for producing clean, renewable energy. The system would be formed by a photocatalyst that decomposes water into oxygen, protons and electrons by action of light and a second element that uses the electrons produced to convert protons into hydrogen or carbon dioxide into liquid fuels.
Once scientists have optimized the process, the artificial photosynthetic device could be used for hydrogen production or other hydrocarbon fuels, replacing conventional fossil fuels. The aim of this development is to use it as an alternative source of electricity to any process that needs energy, such as hydrogen fueled vehicles.
Hydrogen appears as a viable alternative, which is already used to power mass transit and has proven experiences in different major cities around the world.
Source: National University of Rosario.
