Molecule mimics plant energy storage for solar fuel development
by Clarence Oxford
Basel, Switzerland (SPX) Aug 25, 2025
A research team at the University of Basel has created a novel molecule that replicates a key step in natural photosynthesis by storing two positive and two negative charges under light exposure. The discovery could become a foundation for producing carbon-neutral solar fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and synthetic petrol.
Photosynthesis in plants converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy-rich sugars, sustaining nearly all life. Researchers aim to imitate this process for renewable energy production, generating fuels that release only the CO2 used to create them.
In their new study published in Nature Chemistry, Professor Oliver Wenger and doctoral student Mathis Brandlin describe a five-part molecular structure that distributes charges efficiently. Two components on one end release electrons to form positive charges, while two components on the other accept electrons, forming negative charges. A central unit absorbs light and initiates the charge transfer.
The team used two successive flashes of light to trigger the reaction. The first pulse produced one positive and one negative charge, while the second repeated the process, leaving the molecule with four charges in total.
“This stepwise excitation makes it possible to use significantly dimmer light. As a result, we are already moving close to the intensity of sunlight,” said Brandlin. He noted that earlier methods required powerful laser light, making them impractical. The stored charges in the molecule remain stable long enough to drive further chemical reactions, such as splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Although the molecule does not yet achieve full artificial photosynthesis, Wenger emphasized its importance: “We have identified and implemented an important piece of the puzzle. We hope that this will help us contribute to new prospects for a sustainable energy future.”
Research Report:Photoinduced Double Charge Accumulation in a Molecular Compound
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