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Energy is the foundation of human civilization and a key driver for economic growth. Globally, over 10 billion tons of standard oil equivalent are produced and consumed annually, with about 90% coming from fossil fuels. These non-renewable resources have been depleted at an alarming rate, leading to environmental degradation and climate change. As a result, there is an urgent need to shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Solar energy stands out as one of the most promising renewable sources due to its vast availability and minimal environmental impact. The Earth receives approximately 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation each year—enough to power the entire world for a full year in just one hour. Harnessing this energy through innovative methods could revolutionize how we produce and consume power.
One of the most exciting approaches is converting solar energy into chemical energy, particularly through hydrogen production. Hydrogen is clean, efficient, and versatile, making it an ideal fuel. When burned, it only produces water, eliminating harmful emissions. Combining solar technology with hydrogen generation could address both energy shortages and environmental challenges. Many countries are investing heavily in research to develop efficient and cost-effective systems for this purpose.
A team at the Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has made significant progress in this field. By using quantum dots—often called "artificial atoms"—they have designed new catalysts for artificial photosynthesis. These materials offer high efficiency, stability, and affordability, paving the way for practical applications in renewable energy.
For instance, the team successfully synthesized a cavity-structured catalyst, Coh-CdTe, under visible light. After 70 hours of irradiation, it achieved a hydrogen production rate of 25 μmol hâ»Â¹ mgâ»Â¹, with a TON (turnover number) as high as 219,100. Another breakthrough involved the creation of NiH-CdSe/CdS core-shell photocatalysts, which showed a hydrogen production rate of 153 μmol hâ»Â¹ mgâ»Â¹ and an internal quantum efficiency of 11.2% at 410 nm. These results were published in top-tier journals like *Energy & Environmental Science* and *Advanced Materials*.
This groundbreaking work has been supported by major Chinese science programs, including the "973" Program and the National Natural Science Foundation. With continued investment and innovation, the future of sustainable energy looks brighter than ever.
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