Plants Create Energy through Photosynthesis

Function

Plants create energy from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis. Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll’s frees electrons, which are then transferred to other pigment molecules called acceptors. Electrons hold negative charges, but when the electrons are transferred, chlorophyll takes on a positive charge, creating an imbalance that generates energy. Repetition of this process is called photosynthesis.

Functional Classification

Resouce/Energy/Information Collection & Storage:
Uses light energy
Resouce/Energy/Information Transmission & Production:
Power generation
Form/Organization/System:
Use of natural phenomena

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Technical Application

A substance known as porphyrin, which has a similar structure to chlorophyll, has been combined with a substance called fullerene (C60) that easily accepts and gives off electrons. It has been discovered that when light is shined on the resulting molecule, each of the 2 substances works as an electron donor and acceptor, causing photoelectrons to move and produce energy in an extremely efficient process similar to photosynthesis.

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

The process of photosynthesis could inspire organic, thin-film solar cells made of materials with low molecular weights, like porphyrin-fullerene. Solar-cell curtains and bags can be created by weaving fullerene (which has a diameter of 0.7nm) into cloth.

Proposals of Applied Industry

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