Solar chemical refers to a number of possible processes that harness solar energy by absorbing sunlight in a chemical reaction in a way similar to photosynthesis in plants but without using living organisms. It is also called artificial photosynthesis. No practical process has yet emerged.
A promising approach is to use focused sunlight to provide the energy needed to split water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a metallic catalyst such as zinc. This is normally done in a two step process so that hydrogen and oxygen are not produced in the same chamber leading to potentially explosive consequences.
It is also possible to use solar light to drive industrial chemical reactions and applications without a requirement for fossil fuel.
Read more about Solar Chemical: Sunlight Energy Storing Chemicals
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