Following the lead of Nature, artificial photosynthesis (APh) aims at sustainable production of fuels from water and CO2, energetically driven by solar energy. APh will contribute to mitigation of global climate change by facilitating large-scale chemical storage of solar energy and direct replacement of fossil fuels. APh and the related Power-to-X technologies are dynamically expanding areas in research and technology development. Starting with the 'big picture' (global carbon cycle and climate change, fossil fuels and renewable energy), the module addresses scientific background and challenges of APh as well as first step towards technology implementation.

How is the course organized? In the first half of the course period, we will form learning groups of 3-6 students who will work together on selected topics and short summary presentations. In the second part, each student will choose a topic for his/her individual presentation, followed by a joint discussion. (If the number of participants is too high, we would have to reduce or cancel the group presentations).