Artificial photosynthesis

摘要

Disclosed is a process for storing solar energy in organic compounds. The process comprises providing a water source and a carbon source. Water present in the water source is activated using solar energy. Activated water is reacted with the carbon source to form an organic compound comprising hydrogen and carbon. The organic compound has higher energy content than the carbon source. In a specific embodiment the organic compound is used as a fuel in an electricity-generating device, such as a fuel cell. In this embodiment the preferred organic compound is methanol.