Descrizione del progetto
Un approccio rivoluzionario impiega le pellicole di sapone e la luce solare per generare combustibili sostenibili
La produzione di combustibili solari rinnovabili attraverso la fotosintesi artificiale è una soluzione promettente per affrontare il problema energetico. Imitando la fotosintesi, i ricercatori possono produrre combustibili sostenibili a partire da luce solare, acqua e CO2. Il progetto SoFiA , finanziato dall’UE, sta sviluppando un approccio innovativo che riguarda le pellicole di sapone. Il concetto riproduce la parte delle foglie sensibile alla luce, la membrana tilacoide, e si avvale di catalizzatori molecolari realizzati a partire da rutenio e materiali presenti in abbondanza sulla Terra per formare superfici catalitiche auto-assemblate nelle giunzioni tra coppie di bolle di sapone. I ricercatori intendono ampliare la tecnologia progettando un flusso di bolle di sapone rigenerative che possa gestire volumi di gas molto grandi, che scorrono in continuazione lungo un condotto esposto alla luce.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Invito a presentare proposte
Vedi altri progetti per questo bandoBando secondario
H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2019-2020-01
Meccanismo di finanziamento
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinatore
751 05 Uppsala
Svezia