With climate change on the verge of doing irreversible damage to our planet, many scientists are looking towards cleaner alternatives for producing energy. They are looking for ways that can match consumers needs without destroying the world. At the current rate we are going, there isn’t much time left to make changes.
This article is written about how scientists have recently discovered a way to produce more energy by using algae. This is done through an artificial photosynthesis process that can be used to generate electricity. This is very promising as it could be the potential solution to our reliance on fossil fuels. The specific protein that allows this process to happen is called phycobiliprotein. Its job is to absorb light within algae cells to start the process of photosynthesis.
To increase the efficiency of the artificial photosynthesis, researchers have developed a method to encase the red algae within small liquid crystal micro-droplets that are 20 to 40 microns in size and exposed them to light. Through this process, light is being trapped inside of the droplet for a longer period. This allows for more opportunities for photosynthesis to take place. One challenge of this process is the current efficiency rate. Right now, it is only approximately 1/3 as efficient as solar panels. However, if this process is done at a larger scale, it could help close the gap in efficiency. Larger droplets are one way this process can become more efficient. Another example of a larger scale would be algae farms. Here algae could be combined with larger liquid crystal droplets to create floating power generators in bodies of water.
Additionally, the use of algae as an energy source is one that is being explored by large fossil fuel producers such as Exxon Mobile and Shell. One challenge that still present is how little investment there is in this category of research and development. These large firms need to be more focused on doing their part rather than the profit margin of producing fossil fuels. We must come together as a global society to enact the change that needs to be done.
Zachary Conant (4)
Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211018105926.htm
This sounds like a really promising alternative to fossil fuels and other unsustainable methods of obtaining energy. It's good to see that big companies such as exxon mobile are beginning to shift their focus on sustainable energy as it is inevitable to our and the planet's survival.
ReplyDelete- David Miropolsky
I agree, hopefully more companies will follow Exxon mobile and keep pushing towards a better future. Change is the only way to potentially save our planet.
Delete-Zach Conant
Super promising! The more green energy the better. At some point, if we want to live on a habitable planet, we will have to confront our dependency on fossil fuels. Voting in politicians that are willing to increase investments in the field of green energy will be very important. Maybe algae or some unheard of technology will be the magic bullet to kill fossil fuels!
ReplyDelete-Alan Papenfuhs
Hopefully algae or something similar will be the source to get rid of fossil fuels. Right now, the technologies for zero emissions cannot be done on a large enough scale to compete with our need of energy. But based on findings like this article describes, we are getting close.
Delete-Zach Conant