Energy analysis for an artificial tree generating polymer fuels from water and CO2. (1st November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nong, Guangzai; Liu, Yanyan; Zhu, Hongxiang; Li, Yijing; Li, Pengbo
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 151(2017)
• Page Start: 465
• Page End: 471
• Publication Date: 2017-11-01
• Subjects: CO2 -- Artificial tree -- Solar energy -- Photovoltaic cell -- Photovoltaic reactor; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2017.08.094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Highlights: An artificial tree is constructed and performed. The CO2 in the atmosphere is absorbed and reduced by an artificial tree. Fuels of polymers are generated from CO2 and water using only solar energy. The energy efficiencies and production rates of artificial tree is investigated. Abstract: Solar energy is one of the most abundant sources of renewable energy. The utilization of solar energy and CO2 in the atmosphere to generate fuels is regarded as a great way to resolve both the problems of fossil fuel depletion and global warming. An artificial tree was constructed to generate polymer fuels from water and CO2 in the atmosphere. Solar panels acted as leaves to absorb solar energy and generate electric energy, and the CO2 in the air was absorbed by alkalized water and then converted to polymer fuels in an electrolytic cell. This tree yielded an energy efficiency of 53.3% for the generation of polymer fuels, and the ratio between the combustion heat of the polymers and the electric energy consumption was 701.6%. Additionally, the energy conversions in the process of polymer generation were investigated, and the evidences of radicals generated from water by electric field induction were provided. The results provide an alternative method to utilize solar energy.