Reverse Photosynthesis Makes Biofuel

Photosynthesis, as you are probably aware, is Kind Of A Big Deal. It’s the process by which plants, algae and other organisms convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen figured out reverse photosynthesis — using sunlight to convert plant biomass into usable fuel. The process could radically transform the industrial production of plastics and chemicals.

A given amount of biomass – straw or wood, for instance – is combined with an enzyme called lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase, found in certain fungi and bacteria.

When chlorophyll is added and the entire mixture is exposed to sunlight, sugar molecules in the biomass naturally break down into smaller constituents. The resulting biochemicals can then be more easily converted into fuel and plastics.

The key is using the very energy of sunlight itself to drive the chemical processes. By leveraging the power of the sun, reactions that would otherwise take 24 hours or longer can be achieved in just 10 minutes, researchers say.

That means faster production, lower temperatures and enhanced energy efficiency in industrial production.

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 processes can take place without additional energy inputs.