Photosynthesis: Molecular Approaches to Solar Energy Conversion

Photosynthesis: Molecular Approaches to Solar Energy Conversion
Author: Jian-Ren Shen
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 646
Release: 2021-09-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 303067407X

In the modern world, to meet increasing energy demands we need to develop new technologies allowing us to use eco-friendly carbon-neutral energy sources. Solar energy as the most promising renewable source could be the way to solve that problem, but it is variable depending on day time and season. From this side, the understanding of photosynthesis process could be of significant help for us to develop effective strategies of solar energy capturing, conversion, and storage. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis, annually producing around 100 billion tons of dry biomass. Presently, the detailed studies of photosynthetic system structure make functional investigations of the photosynthetic process available, allowing scientists to construct artificial systems for solar energy transduction. This book summarizes exciting achievements in understanding of photosynthetic structures and mechanisms of this process made by world leaders in photosynthesis field, and contains information about modern ideas in development of revolutionary new technologies of energy conversion. Organized according to the natural sequence of events occurring during photosynthesis, the book includes information of both photosynthetic structures and mechanisms and its applications in bioenergetics issues.

Solar to Chemical Energy Conversion

Solar to Chemical Energy Conversion
Author: Masakazu Sugiyama
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2016-01-25
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319254006

This book explains the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy and its storage. It covers the basic background; interface modeling at the reacting surface; energy conversion with chemical, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical approaches and energy conversion using applied photosynthesis. The important concepts for converting solar to chemical energy are based on an understanding of the reactions’ equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Since the energy conversion is essentially the transfer of free energy, the process are explained in the context of thermodynamics.

Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis

Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis
Author: Reza Razeghifard
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 372
Release: 2013-08-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1118659759

This technical book explores current and future applications of solar power as an unlimited source of energy that earth receives every day. Photosynthetic organisms have learned to utilize this abundant source of energy by converting it into high-energy biochemical compounds. Inspired by the efficient conversion of solar energy into an electron flow, attempts have been made to construct artificial photosynthetic systems capable of establishing a charge separation state for generating electricity or driving chemical reactions. Another important aspect of photosynthesis is the CO2 fixation and the production of high energy compounds. Photosynthesis can produce biomass using solar energy while reducing the CO2 level in air. Biomass can be converted into biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol. Under certain conditions, photosynthetic organisms can also produce hydrogen gas which is one of the cleanest sources of energy.

Photosynthesis: Solar Energy For Life

Photosynthesis: Solar Energy For Life
Author: Dmitry Shevela
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing
Total Pages: 205
Release: 2018-11-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9813223138

Photosynthesis has been an important field of research for more than a century, but the present concerns about energy, environment and climate have greatly intensified interest in and research on this topic. Research has progressed rapidly in recent years, and this book is an interesting read for an audience who is concerned with various ways of harnessing solar energy.Our understanding of photosynthesis can now be said to have reached encyclopedic dimensions. There have been, in the past, many good books at various levels. Our book is expected to fulfill the needs of advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in branches of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and bioengineering because photosynthesis is the basis of future advances in producing more food, more biomass, more fuel, and new chemicals for our expanding global human population. Further, the basics of photosynthesis are and will be used not only for the above, but in artificial photosynthesis, an important emerging field where chemists, researchers and engineers of solar energy systems will play a major role.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis
Author: Harvey J.M. Hou
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 540
Release: 2023-07-27
Genre: Science
ISBN: 032398570X

Photosynthesis: From Plants to Nanomaterials in the Nanomaterial-Plant Interactions series, summarizes both the foundational mechanisms and latest advances in photosynthesis. With a strong emphasis on artificial photosynthesis, the book also analyzes the role of nanomaterials in energy production. Starting with an introduction to plant photosynthetic systems, chapters discuss the structure of light harvesting systems, energy transfer and membrane protein complexes. The book later describes the role of nanoparticles in photosynthesis, including agricultural applications, advances in nanobionics, and the impact of engineered nanomaterials. This book is an essential read for researchers and students interested in photosynthesis, bionanotechnology and nanomaterials. - Presents the latest advances in plant photosynthesis - Discusses the role of nanomaterials in energy production and other photosynthetic mechanisms - Highlights nanotechnology and artificial photosynthesis

Solar Hydrogen Production

Solar Hydrogen Production
Author: Francesco Calise
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 586
Release: 2019-08-15
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0128148543

Solar Hydrogen Production: Processes, Systems and Technologies presents the most recent developments in solar-driven hydrogen generation methods. The book covers different hydrogen production routes, from renewable sources, to solar harvesting technologies. Sections focus on solar energy, presenting the main thermal and electrical technologies suitable for possible integration into solar-based hydrogen production systems and present a thorough examination of solar hydrogen technologies, ranging from solar-driven water electrolysis and solar thermal methods, to photo-catalytic and biological processes. All hydrogen-based technologies are covered, including data regarding the state-of-the art of each process in terms of costs, efficiency, measured parameters, experimental analyses, and demonstration projects. In the last part of the book, the role of hydrogen in the integration of renewable sources in electric grids, transportation sector, and end-user applications is assessed, considering their current status and future perspectives. The book includes performance data, tables, models and references to available standards. It is thus a key-resource for engineering researchers and scientists, in both academic and industrial contexts, involved in designing, planning and developing solar hydrogen systems. - Offers a comprehensive overview of conventional and advanced solar hydrogen technologies, including simulation models, cost figures, R&D projects, demonstration projects, test standards, and safety and handling issues - Encompasses, in a single volume, information on solar energy and hydrogen systems - Includes detailed economic data on each technology for feasibility assessment of different systems

Cyanobacteria in Biotechnology

Cyanobacteria in Biotechnology
Author: Katja Bühler
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 362
Release: 2023-06-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3031332741

This book provides a comprehensive and authoritative review of cyanobacteria and their applications as solar cell factories. Cyanobacteria are able to perform oxygenic photosynthesis and they are utilized in many different bioprocesses. The book covers two major aspects of a cyano-based bioprocess: the biological whole-cell catalyst and the technical environment in which the catalyst is applied. In the biocatalyst itself electron and carbon flow play an essential role for the performance of the cell and need to be tackled likewise for successful biocatalyst development. In the first chapters of this volume, cyanobacterial biotechnology and the fundamentals of cyanobacterial bioenergetics are introduced followed by an overview on tools and strategies for cyanobacteria engineering. Further on, examples of applications, engineering and production of different industrially relevant compounds in these organisms are provided, and finally process technology specific for cyanobacteria is covered. In this book, particular attention is given to topics such as cyanobacterial bioenergetics, metabolic engineering design strategies, utilizing cyanobacteria in biophotovoltaics, and production of pigments as well as photobiohydrogen in cyanobacteria, among others. This book will provide interested students and researchers in the area of photo-biotechnology with a deeper understanding of the cyanobacterial cell-factory, including the latest innovations and persistent challenges in the field.

Alternative Fuels and the Environment

Alternative Fuels and the Environment
Author: Frances S. Sterrett
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 290
Release: 1994-10-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780873719780

Alternative Fuels and the Environment evaluates the timely issue of renewable, alternative resources to fossil fuels and nuclear energy, such as solar, anemoelectric, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. These alternative power sources not only have the advantage of being renewable, but they are also economically attractive and have minimal adverse environmental impact, such as the waste emission of SO2, NOx, or greenhouse gases. This book analyzes the harnessing of the sun's energy by photochemical reactions, artificial photosynthesis, and photovoltaic electric power generation. It further discusses how hydrogen as fuel is produced by solar photoelectrolysis of water and how wind turbines generate electricity, while ocean thermal energy produces electric power and fresh water. Geothermal energy and hydroelectric power are also renewable sources of electricity. Biofuels and biomass are useful as energy sources, and surplus land is usable for woody, herbaceous, high-yield energy crop production. The book also investigates reformulated gasoline with oxygenated fuels, such as ethanol or methanol.