Using light to produce medication and plastics more efficiently

Researchers are now going one step further and are demonstrating how the energy efficiency of photochemical reactions can be increased tenfold. More sustainable and cost-effective applications are now tantalizingly close.

Industrial chemical reactions usually occur in several stages across various interim products. Photochemistry enables shortcuts, meaning fewer intermediate steps are required. Photochemistry also allows you to work with less hazardous substances than in conventional chemistry, as light produces a reaction in substances which do not react well under heat.

Wang, who now holds the position of assistant professor at Osnabrück University, used two particular dyes in her study, both of which absorb light and store its energy for a short period before using it to form pairs of radicals. However, one of the two dyes examined was able to store significantly more energy than the other and transfer it to the radicals. Due to the additional energy, the radicals were able to leave the solvent cage up to ten times more efficiently.

Malaysia Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Malaysia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Using light to produce medication and plastics more efficientlyAnyone who wants to produce medication, plastics or fertilizer using conventional methods needs heat for chemical reactions—but not so with photochemistry, where light provides the energy. The process to achieve the desired product also often takes fewer intermediate steps.
Source: physorg_com - 🏆 388. / 55 Read more »