C2 molecule production
Even though other experiments have achieved artificial photosynthesis using biological materials, Yang’s team chose copper, an inorganic material with lower selectivity for desired chemical reactions than biological catalysts. However, copper offers significant advantages such as greater durability, stability, and longer operational life, all critical for scaling up future applications.
While LiSA experts developed the device’s cathode and anode components, the integration with metal contacts was carried out using instruments at Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry. During testing, a solar simulator replicating continuous sunlight demonstrated that the system could efficiently convert CO₂ into carbon-carbon (C2) molecules, essential building blocks for a wide range of industries.