Solar Thermal Chemical Processing Research: A Path Toward Sustainable Energy Technology
by
There
is enough solar energy reaching the earth to supply the current world demand
for energy. But this radiation is dilute, intermittent, and unequally
distributed. So how can one grab hold of a sunbeam and either immediately
use it for industrial purposes, or store it and transport it from the sunny
regions of the earth to the population centers to be used when it is
needed? I present a selection of the
latest research findings to illustrate the current state of solar chemistry
science and technology as well as describe the future challenges that must be
met if this path is to lead us to a palette of sustainable energy technology
options.