Plants absorb sunlight and produce glucose and oxygen from water and carbon dioxide. This is photosynthesis. Scientists have been researching 'artificial photosynthesis' technology to convert carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into useful compounds by mimicking plants. Recently, two research teams domestically and internationally have implemented key stages of artificial photosynthesis, increasing its potential for practical application.
Joint research teams from Germany and Korea have artificially implemented the key process of photosynthesis, which moves electrons upon receiving light. Previously, British researchers successfully produced fuel using sunlight. All these achievements are evaluated as important milestones in the process of developing sustainable technology utilizing solar energy.
◇Development of artificial chlorophyll mimicking the principles of photosynthesis
Professor Frank Würthner from the University of Würzburg in Germany and Professor Kim Dong-ho from Yonsei University successfully implemented the first process of photosynthesis, known as the light reaction. The research results were published in the international journal 'Nature Chemistry' on the 14th.
Photosynthesis is a complex process that occurs within plant cells, where various pigments, proteins, and molecules interact. It generally proceeds in two stages: the light reaction, which absorbs sunlight to activate electrons, and the dark reaction, which uses the activated electrons to convert carbon dioxide into organic matter.
In the light reaction, plants use a pigment called chlorophyll to absorb sunlight, which induces the movement of electrons internally, creating an electric current. The research team stacked dye molecules from the 'perylene bisimide' series to create a giant molecular structure similar to chlorophyll.
When the molecular structure receives light, electrons quickly move from one side to the other, generating an electric current. In plant photosynthesis, these electrons move along a protein complex called the photosynthetic apparatus to create biological energy. However, the research team designed the system to allow for artificial control.
Research Institute Leander Ernst from Würzburg University noted, "We confirmed that electrons can be moved quickly and efficiently upon receiving light," calling it "an important step for the development of artificial photosynthesis." Professor Kim Dong-ho from Yonsei University explained that in artificial chlorophyll, electrons move at a speed similar to that in actual plant chlorophyll, at a rate of one trillionth of a second.
The research team aims to expand the nano system made up of four dye molecules to develop 'supramolecular wires.' Supramolecular wires are expected to serve as a key element for artificial photosynthesis, enabling the swift and efficient long-distance transport of electrical energy generated from solar energy.
◇Artificial leaves synthesize fuel with solar energy
The research team at the University of Cambridge in the UK announced in February that they produced hydrocarbon fuels such as ethylene and ethane using artificial leaves in the international journal 'Nature Catalysis.' Previous studies focused on utilizing solar energy to decompose water and produce hydrogen, but the British researchers produced hydrocarbon fuels with a higher energy density.
Generally, hydrocarbon fuels are produced when carbon monoxide and hydrogen react at high temperatures. The research team believed that using artificial photosynthesis could efficiently produce fuel without harming the environment.
An artificial photosynthesis catalyst shaped like a flower, called 'copper nanoflowers,' was utilized. Copper nanoflowers effectively collect electrons received from light and convert carbon dioxide and water into ethylene and ethane. Virgil Andrei, a Research Institute researcher from the University of Cambridge, explained, "By adjusting the nanostructure of the copper catalyst, the types of hydrocarbons produced can change," noting its potential applications not only for fuel but also for the plastic and chemical industries.
Producing fuel through artificial photosynthesis can create 'carbon-neutral fuel.' By capturing the carbon dioxide emitted when the fuel is burned and converting it back into fuel, it becomes a sustainable energy source that can be used continuously without additional carbon emissions.
Professor Yanwei Lu from the National University of Singapore pointed out, "Although it has conceptually shown that the technology works, there is still a need for performance improvement for practical fuel production." The research team also stated, "Enhancing the durability and efficiency of the devices is a crucial challenge," projecting that artificial photosynthesis technology will be commercially available within the next 5 to 10 years.
References
Nature Chemistry (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-025-01770-7
Nature Catalysis (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-025-01292-y