In a press release issued yesterday, the University of Copenhagen announced that they have discovered reverse photosynthesis, a natural process through which the energy in solar rays breaks down plant materials, which can then be used to produce chemicals and energy. The research results, which have been published in Nature Communications, say the reduction in time needed to produce chemicals, biofuels and other products, along with the corresponding reduction in pollution, has the potential to “revolutionize industrial production.”
Although functioning society depends on the petrochemical industry it remains problematic for both the climate and environment. The Danish study’s researchers have made a breakthrough with the potential to transform humans’ use of Earth’s natural resources. Research head Professor Claus Felby said in the press release, “This is a game changer, one that could transform the industrial production of fuels and chemicals, thus serving to reduce pollution significantly.
Photosynthesis is the breakdown of plant material caused by the energy in solar rays. In the process of reverse photosynthesis, biomass such as straw or wood is combined with a natural enzyme, known as monooxygenases, that is found in certain bacteria and fungi. By adding chlorophyll and exposing the mixture to sunlight, sugar molecules found in the biomass are broken down into smaller pieces by a natural process. The biochemicals that result can then be converted into fuel and plastic through a much easier process than currently used, resulting in faster production, enhanced energy efficiency and lower temperatures for industrial biofuel production.
Nature itself uses light, chlorophyll and monooxygenases for reverse photosynthesis in organisms such as fungi and bacteria to access nutrients and sugars in plants, but researchers do not as yet know how widespread this is.
In the future reverse photosynthesis may be used to break down chemical bonds between hydrogen and carbon, then used under ambient conditions to convert biogas-plant sourced methane into methanol, which is a liquid fuel that can be processed into chemicals, fuels and other materials by the petrochemicals industry.
Felby said, “Photosynthesis by way of the sun doesn’t just allow things to grow, the same principles can be applied to break plant matter down, allowing the release of chemical substances. The immense energy in solar light can be used so that the processes can take place without additional energy input.”