From solar energy to fuel: A holistic artificial photosynthesis platform for the production of viable solar fuels (REFINE)

REFINE is developing and demonstrating an artificial photosynthesis system by combining light- and dark-dependent reactions for the direct production of essential, high-energy-density chemicals, such as alcohols. To achieve this, the project proposes the direct storage of hydrogen in hydrocarbons through the capture and transformation of CO₂ in an advanced biorefining system. In this system, hydrogen produced by photoelectrolysis of water is combined with captured CO₂ and fed directly to biocultures of genetically modified bacteria to promote the selective production of isopropanol as a high-energy solar fuel. The only energy input to power this radical technological system is sunlight. Implementing and commercializing such an artificial photosynthesis system requires the convergence of diverse scientific fields, including materials science, biotechnology, engineering, and social sciences. The project is organized in a multi-center manner and operates at various levels, encompassing considerations of raw material supply, social acceptance, materials engineering, and nanostructuring, as well as the assembly and applicability of the devices. The truly convergent nature of REFINE provides a holistic and innovative approach that addresses the major challenges of our modern societies, such as high CO₂ emissions and the inability to recycle it efficiently and widely.