Advanced artificial photosynthesis catalyst uses CO2 more efficiently to create biodegradable plastics

Amid growing global concern over climate change and plastic pollution, researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University are making major advances in the sustainable production of fumaric acid – a component of biodegradable plastics such as polybutylene succinate, which is commonly used in food. Used for packaging. Researchers have been able to efficiently produce fumaric acid, traditionally derived from petroleum, using compounds derived from renewable resources, carbon dioxide, and biomass.

In a previous study, a research team led by Professor Yutaka Umao of the Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis at Osaka Metropolitan University demonstrated the synthesis of fumaric acid from a biomass-derived mixture of bicarbonate and pyruvic acid using solar energy. What did They also succeeded in producing fumaric acid using carbon dioxide obtained directly from the gas phase as raw material. However, yields in fumaric acid production remained low.

In their latest research published in Dalton Transactionsresearchers have now developed a new photosensitizer and further developed an artificial photosynthesis technique that doubles fumaric acid production compared to conventional methods.

“This is a very important development for the complex bio/photocatalyst system. It is a valuable step in our quest to synthesize fumaric acid from renewable energy sources with even higher yields, moving us toward a more sustainable future. is taking,” said Professor Amau.