"Artificial Leaf" converts 10% of solar energy into chemical energy
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This new system, called "artificial leaves," uses solar energy to convert water into hydrogen fuel.
Simulating the photosynthesis of plants in nature and using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce chemical energy that can be used on demand, this was the main goal of the United States Joint Photosynthesis Cooperation Center (JCAP) in 2010. In the past five years, the center's research has made significant progress. For the first time, they used an efficient, safe, integrated solar energy system to separate water molecules and produce hydrogen fuel. Newly researched system experiments have demonstrated that 10% of solar energy can be converted into chemical energy.
This new system, called "artificial leaves," contains three main components: two electrodes - a photoanode, a photocathode, and a thin film. Photoanodes use sunlight to oxidize water molecules, producing protons, electrons, and oxygen. Photocathodes combine protons and electrons to produce hydrogen gas. The key part of this system is a plastic film that guarantees the separation of oxygen and hydrogen. If the two gases are mixed and accidentally ignited, explosions may occur. This film allows hydrogen to be collected separately under pressure conditions and safely fed into the pipeline.
Semiconductors such as silicon and gallium arsenide can absorb light efficiently, and are therefore widely used in solar panels. However, these materials can oxidize (rust) in water and cannot be directly used in the "artificial leaf" system. The JCAP researchers added a 62.5 nm thick titanium dioxide coating on the electrode to effectively prevent rusting of the photoelectrode using gallium arsenide while allowing light and electrons to pass through.
Another breakthrough in the new system is the use of active, low-cost catalysts for energy production. The photoanode needs a catalyst to promote the chemical reaction of the separated water molecules. Rare and expensive metals such as platinum can be effective catalysts. However, the team found that adding 2 nanometers of nickel to the surface of the TiO2 film can be a more effective and less expensive catalyst.
This integrated system, with an area of ​​about 1 square centimeter, can convert 10% of the solar energy into storable chemical energy and can continue to work for more than 40 hours. Nate Louis, JCAP's director of science and chemistry at Caltech, said: "This new system has broken the comprehensive record of safety, performance and stability of artificial leaf technology."
"Our research confirms that in an integrated system, using inexpensive components, it is possible to efficiently and safely produce fuel from solar energy," said Louis. "Of course, we also need to continue to work hard to extend the system's lifespan and design a low cost." The methods for producing such systems are both in progress." (Reporter Liu Yuanyuan)
A hydraulic accessory is a component or attachment that enhances the functionality or performance of a hydraulic system. These accessories are designed to work in conjunction with hydraulic systems to provide additional capabilities or improve efficiency. Some common hydraulic accessories include:
1. Hydraulic cylinders: These are devices that convert hydraulic power into linear mechanical force and motion. They are used in various applications such as construction equipment, industrial machinery, and automotive systems.
2. Hydraulic pumps: These are devices that generate hydraulic power by converting mechanical energy into fluid pressure. They are responsible for providing the necessary force to operate hydraulic systems.
3. Hydraulic valves: These are devices that control the flow and direction of hydraulic fluid within a system. They are used to regulate the pressure, flow rate, and direction of fluid to ensure proper operation and safety.
4. Hydraulic filters: These are components that remove contaminants from hydraulic fluid to maintain system cleanliness and prevent damage to hydraulic components. They help to prolong the life of the system and improve its performance.
5. Hydraulic hoses and fittings: These are components that connect various parts of a hydraulic system together, allowing the transfer of hydraulic fluid between different components. They are designed to withstand high pressures and ensure leak-free operation.
6. Hydraulic reservoirs: These are containers that store hydraulic fluid for the system. They help to maintain the fluid level, dissipate heat, and remove air bubbles from the fluid.
7. Hydraulic power units: These are self-contained systems that include a Hydraulic Pump, motor, reservoir, and control valves. They are used in applications where a standalone hydraulic power source is required.
8. Hydraulic accumulators: These are devices that store hydraulic energy in the form of pressurized fluid. They are used to supplement the power output of hydraulic systems during peak demand periods or to provide emergency power in case of system failure.
These are just a few examples of hydraulic accessories, and there are many more available in the market to meet specific application requirements.
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