Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a solar-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactor that simultaneously converts carbon dioxide (CO₂) and biomass waste into useful chemical products using only sunlight.
The reactor uses a dual-compartment design and novel catalysts made from abundant, low-cost materials. When sunlight strikes the system, a single photon drives two reactions at the same time: CO₂ is converted into formate, a chemical used in textiles, paints, and pharmaceuticals, while biomass waste is transformed into a precursor for sustainable plastics.
Operating without external heat or electricity, the reactor achieves about 93% CO₂ conversion and 95% biomass oxidation, demonstrating a highly efficient, low-carbon approach to chemical manufacturing.
Unlike many experimental systems that rely on expensive metals such as platinum or iridium, the Nottingham team designed their catalysts from inexpensive, earth-abundant elements. A life-cycle assessment confirmed the reactor’s low environmental impact.
The researchers envision modular versions of the technology being connected to industrial carbon sources and agricultural biorefineries, creating decentralised manufacturing networks that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while turning waste into valuable products.
The study was published in Communications Materials on June 12.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/solar-reactor-co2-biomass
