From Sun to Chemical Energy

We use the energy of the sun’s photons to activate a photoactive material and subsequently induce chemical reactions. In a Solar-to-X device we harvest solar energy, focus photons to the reaction sites and ultimately produce products, solely driven by energy from the sun.

A Solar-to-X device is the equipment to produce chemicals from low molecular substances only via the inputs of solar energy. This embraces the optical part to harness and direct solar light photons, the solar photoreactor and the essentially important photoactive material structures.

1. New photo(electro)catalysts: An innovative design will be developed, optimizing both the photoanode and photocathode—including their materials, composition, adhesion, durability, geometry, and surface area—to match the photoreactor’s design and requirements. Additionally, scale up the manufacturing processes for these electrodes to simplify and increase the efficiency of industrial-scale plants.

2. Innovative optical unit and solar receiving reactor: Design a novel optical unit which tunes incoming solar radiation (concentrator optics) towards specific wavelengths (wavelength modifier) for maximum energy harvesting and reaction efficiency and develop a solar receiving reactor (reactor tubes) which is flexible and scalable.

3. Single photosynthetic device under natural sunlight: Developing a single photosynthetic device where the reactor and the new development catalysts and materials with the optical unit are integrated and perform under artificial and natural sunlight conditions.

1. Community engagement and long-lasting value chain: Defining use cases and application scenarios where the SOLEAS device is integrated into a fully functional value chain from generation to end use.
2. Design, produce, characterize, and test new photo(electro)catalysts: Optimizing both the photoanode and photocathode—including their materials, composition, adhesion, durability, geometry, and surface area—to match the photoreactor’s design and requirements. Additionally, scale up the manufacturing processes for these electrodes to simplify and increase the efficiency of industrial-scale plants.
3. Design a novel reactor driven by solar energy, including an optimized optical unit which tunes incoming solar radiation (concentrator optics) towards specific wavelengths for maximum energy harvesting and reaction efficiency and develop a flexible and scalable reactor geometry, optimally aligning irradiation fields with flow behavior.
4. Developing a single photoelectrochemical device where the reactor is integrated with the new developed catalysts and the optical unit. The developed device will reach TRL 5-6 at the end of the project.
5. Perform a sustainability assessment of the developed technology considering its environmental, techno-economic, energetic and social potential impact.
6. Maximize the impact of the project through wide dissemination, communication, contributions to portfolio management, exploitation, and standardization actions.

In the SOLEAS project, an interdisciplinary project team is developing a device that produces green and climate-neutral chemicals and energy carriers directly by solar energy.  By using local biogenic CO₂ and N₂ from air, and integrating the technology into existing value chains, SOLEAS empowers communities to act as prosumers, while aiming for a self-sustaining solution that creates long-term win-win benefits for both prosumers and the environment.

• Saves energy: Direct chemical conversion of the input materials in the reactor using sunlight saves energy compared to conversion steps/technologies that involve high losses.

• CO₂ storage: Used biogenic CO₂, which would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere, can be returned to the cycle.

• Fewer emissions: Conventionally produced ethene, which is made from naphtha or akene through cracking in several process steps, emits approximately 2 t CO₂ per ton of ethene. This could be avoided through sustainable ethylene production using the SOLEAS photoreactor.

• No fossil fuels: Conventional ammonia production using the Haber-Bosch process requires large amounts of hydrogen, which is usually produced from fossil resources. The Haber-Bosch process emits around 1.9 t CO₂ per ton of NH₃. These emissions can also be avoided with ammonia from the photoreactor.

• Decentralized production: Since ammonia is usually produced centrally, it has to be transported over long distances. Local production with the SOLEAS device shortens long transport routes.