Solar chemical
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Solar chemical refers to a number of possible processes that harness solar energy by absorbing sunlight in a chemical reaction in a way similar to photosynthesis in plants but without using living organisms. No practical process has yet emerged.
A promising approach is to use focused sunlight to provide the energy needed to split water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a metallic catalyst such as zinc. This is normally done is a two step process so that hydrogen and oxygen are not produced in the same chamber leading to potentially explosive consequences.
It is also possible to use solar light to drive industrial chemical reactions and applications without a requirement for fossil fuel.
Photodimerization is the photon induced formation of dimers. As early as 1909, the dimerization of anthracene into dianthracene was investigated as a means of storing solar energy. The photodimerization of the napthalene series has also been investigated.[1]
Photoisomerization is the photon induced formation of isomers. Ketone, azepine and norbornadiene among other compounds have been investigated as potential energy storing isomers.[2]
[edit] References
- Bolton, James (1977). Solar Power and Fuels. Academic Press, Inc.. ISBN 0121123502.
[edit] External links
- ANU Thermochemical energy storage system - Australian National University, Canberra.
- Laboratory for Solar Technology - Paul Scherrer Institute , Villigen, Switzerland.
- Power & Energy Magazine , March 2004 article on Paul Scherrer Institute work
- Solar Chemistry Project Plataforma Solar de AlmerÃa, Spain,
- Isracast - Israel,
- Hydrogen Solar- UK.
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