Resource

Researchers Combine Biomass and Solar Energy Conversion

Description:
University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and post doc approached a problem in a new way and by doing so, they demonstrated the utility of solar energy for biomass conversion as well as the feasibility of using an oxidative biomass conversion reaction as an anode reaction in a hydrogen-forming PEC.

Related Topics:
2. Physical processes on Earth are the result of energy flow through the Earth system.
5. Energy decisions are influenced by economic, political, environmental, and social factors.
6. The amount of energy used by human society depends on many factors.
4. Various sources of energy are used to power human activities.

Associated Grade Levels:
11-12Public

Related Sub-Topics

6.8 Amount of energy used can be calculated and monitored.

4.5 Humans generate electricity in multiple ways.

5.1 Decisions concerning the use of energy resources are made at many levels.

4.3 Fossil and biofuels are organic matter that contain energy captured from sunlight.

2.2 Sunlight, gravitational potential, decay of radioactive isotopes, and rotation of the Earth

6.5 Social and technological innovation affects the amount of energy used by human society.

6.6 Behavior and design affect the amount of energy used by human society.

4.1 Humans transfer and transform energy from the environment into forms useful for human endeavors

4.2 Humans use of energy is subject to limits and constraints.

6.4 Earth has limited energy resources.

5.2 Energy infrastructure has inertia.

6.7 Products and services carry with them embedded energy.

2.7 The effects of changes in Earth’s energy system are often not immediately apparent.

4.7 Different sources of energy and different ways energy is transformed, transported, and stored.

5.3 Energy decisions can be made using a systems-based approach.

5.6 Energy decisions are influenced by environmental factors.