Korean Researchers Achieve First Success in High-Efficiency Artificial Photosynthesis Operating in Real-World Conditions

KIST Clean Energy Research Center and Joint Research Team Develop High-Efficiency Catalyst and Achieve Operation in Real Environment

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] 'Artificial photosynthesis technology,' which converts carbon dioxide into energy sources such as ethylene and methanol using sunlight, is becoming a reality thanks to domestic researchers. Although it is considered the 'ultimate weapon' to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and is still some way from commercialization, this research result is seen as a significant step forward.

On the 28th, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) announced that a research team led by Dr. Oh Hyung-seok and Dr. Lee Woong-hee from the Clean Energy Research Center, in collaboration with Professor Yoo Jae-soo's team at Kyung Hee University, developed a nanometer-sized branched tungsten-silver catalyst electrode capable of producing carbon monoxide with high efficiency in an electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion system. The team also succeeded in creating a large-scale artificial photosynthesis system operable under actual sunlight by integrating this system with commercial silicon solar cells.

The catalyst developed by the research team demonstrated over 60% improved carbon monoxide production efficiency compared to conventional silver catalysts. It also showed stability during a 100-hour test. Using electron microscopy and real-time analysis methods, the team confirmed that the catalyst's three-dimensional structure and branched crystalline form are the key to its high efficiency.

Furthermore, the research team developed an artificial photosynthesis system by combining this catalyst-based carbon dioxide conversion system with a 120㎠ silicon solar cell. This means it can be used seamlessly when connected to commercial solar cells.

This system exhibited a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 12.1%, the highest level among silicon solar cell-based artificial photosynthesis systems developed to date, and successfully converted carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide with high efficiency using only sunlight in an actual outdoor environment rather than a laboratory setting.

Dr. Oh Hyung-seok of KIST stated, “We have established a truly meaningful artificial photosynthesis system directly driven by sunlight in real environments using commercial silicon solar cells.” He added, “Based on this research, if high-efficiency artificial photosynthesis technology is commercialized, it will be possible to reduce greenhouse gases by converting carbon dioxide emitted from steel mills and petrochemical plants into carbon monoxide, and to produce basic compounds used in petrochemical processes through a carbon-neutral artificial photosynthesis method.”

The research results were published in the latest issue of the international journal in the energy and environment field, 'Applied Catalysis B: Environmental.'

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