Efficiency
The theoretical efficiency of natural photosynthesis is limited by several factors;
- only light within the wavelengths of 400nm and 700nm can be absorbed and used by plants, only allowing approximately 45% of the total light energy to be used during photosynthesis
- the fixation of one carbon dioxide molecule has a quantum requirement (the number of light photons absorbed by the transfer of one electron) of ten or more, resulting in a maximum usage of 25% of the light energy absorbed
With these limitations present, the theoretical efficiency of the solar energy conversion is 11%. The actual efficiency, however, is also decreased by small factors such as poor absorption of sunlight, respiration, and the need for optimal solar radiation levels
Due to losses at practically all the steps that photosynthesis undergoes, most crop plants have only been known to be approximately 1-2% efficient with their photosynthetic processes. Nature plants have been known to be even less efficient, ranging around 0.1%. Sugar cane, however, is an exception as this C4 plant as an efficiency rating of 8%
In relation to capturing energy, artificial photosynthesis should, theoretically, be more efficient than the process of natural photosynthesis. Plants have several steps as they absorb energy, and the energy captured needs to be used by the whole cell. In artificial technology, the solar cells simply absorb the energy and send it directly down to a working wire with no complications or baggage along the way
"A group at Panasonic has developed the Artificial Photosynthesis System, which produces organic materials with a world-leading efficiency in terms of solar energy conversion. The recently achieved efficiency, 0.2%, is on a par with that of real plants used in biomass energy" (Diginfo)
The theoretical value for the maximum efficiency in artificial photosynthesis for hydrogen production is between 40% and 50%. In experiments and practice, the actual efficiency, that is more realistic, is around 15%
Due to losses at practically all the steps that photosynthesis undergoes, most crop plants have only been known to be approximately 1-2% efficient with their photosynthetic processes. Nature plants have been known to be even less efficient, ranging around 0.1%. Sugar cane, however, is an exception as this C4 plant as an efficiency rating of 8%
In relation to capturing energy, artificial photosynthesis should, theoretically, be more efficient than the process of natural photosynthesis. Plants have several steps as they absorb energy, and the energy captured needs to be used by the whole cell. In artificial technology, the solar cells simply absorb the energy and send it directly down to a working wire with no complications or baggage along the way
"A group at Panasonic has developed the Artificial Photosynthesis System, which produces organic materials with a world-leading efficiency in terms of solar energy conversion. The recently achieved efficiency, 0.2%, is on a par with that of real plants used in biomass energy" (Diginfo)
The theoretical value for the maximum efficiency in artificial photosynthesis for hydrogen production is between 40% and 50%. In experiments and practice, the actual efficiency, that is more realistic, is around 15%