Descripción del proyecto
Un método pionero utiliza películas de jabón y luz solar para generar combustibles sostenibles
La producción de combustibles solares renovables mediante fotosíntesis artificial es una solución prometedora para afrontar el problema energético. Mediante la imitación de la fotosíntesis, los investigadores pueden producir combustibles sostenibles a partir de luz solar, agua y CO2. En el proyecto SoFiA, financiado con fondos europeos, se está desarrollando un método innovador que incluye películas de jabón. El concepto imita la parte fotosensible de las hojas, llamada membrana tilacoide, y utiliza catalizadores moleculares hechos de rutenio y materiales terrestres para formar superficies catalíticas autoensambladas en la unión entre pares de burbujas de jabón. Los investigadores del proyecto planean ampliar la tecnología diseñando una corriente de burbujas de jabón regenerativas que puedan manejar grandes volúmenes de gas, fluyendo continuamente a través de un conducto expuesto a la luz.
Objetivo
We propose a radical breakthrough by developing economically viable solar fuel production technology, exploiting the surfactant self-assembly & proton transport properties of soap films. Producing renewable solar fuel by Artificial Photosynthesis (AP) is globally recognized as a promising solution to modern energy & environmental crisis with decisive social impacts, but there are critical roadblocks in technology development. SoFiA aims to initiate & consolidate a baseline of feasibility for soap film based AP technology and its future uses by establishing the essential proofs-of principle & foundational scientific underpinnings. We propose the concept of an economic artificial photosynthetic membrane in form of soap film with photo-catalytic functional surfaces, formed at the junction between dis-symmetric soap bubble pairs. Our technology is made scalable by the design concept of a dynamic stream of regenerative soap bubbles capable of handling large volumes of gas, continuously flowing through a light exposed conduit. SoFiA bridges three mutually exclusive disciplines of surfactant science, renewable energy and fundamental science of water at nanoscale, supported by micro-systems engineering, and by actively engaging artists who are working with large soap film installations. The high risk is countered by engaging pioneering scientists and globally leading young researchers in an interdisciplinary research plan. An External Advisory Board composed of program managers from large industry and EU policy experts will guide the research deliverable towards commercial exploitation. Our long-term vision is to decisively alter Europe’s position in the world economic map as the leading green energy producer. Developed technology will be jointly exploited by European energy and detergent industries, kick-starting new ventures & production facilities. Major environmental impact is expected as SoFiA is devoted to transform the primary greenhouse gas (CO2) into fuel.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoriaConvocatoria de subcontratación
H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2019-2020-01
Régimen de financiación
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinador
751 05 Uppsala
Suecia