Indian scientists use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide into clean fuel in major renewable energy breakthrough | Science & Environmental News
Amid the groundbreaking advances in clean energy and climate action, Professor Indrajit from the Institute of Technology and Sciences (HITS) in Chennai has developed an innovative approach to convert sunlight only to renewable fuels. The environmental breakthrough achieved in cooperation with National Taiwan University has been published in the famous journal Nano Energy.
The study is aligned with several United Nations key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides promising avenues to address global warming and fossil fuel dependence.
Turn greenhouse gases into green energy
The team presented by the professor designed a special material that consists of zinc and sulfur-based compounds that effectively utilize sunlight. The material captures and converts it to acetaldehyde, a compound that is widely used to produce renewable fuels. Unlike previous technologies, the system operates in natural sunlight and is 200 times more efficient than earlier methods.
“The idea is not just an academic discovery, but about the impact of the real world,” the professor said. “Our research focuses on providing viable and sustainable solutions to the planet.”
Dual solutions for energy and environment
By simultaneously addressing the excessive amounts in the atmosphere and the growing demand for clean energy, this innovation offers twice the benefit: mitigating the impact of climate change and generating sustainable fuel sources.
“This advancement demonstrates the power of international cooperation and interdisciplinary research,” the professor said, stressing that the breakthrough was the result of a teamwork between scientists in India and Taiwan.
Confirmed results and next steps
What makes this method particularly eye-catching is its reliability. Tests have confirmed that the fuel is truly derived from carbon dioxide and not from any external contamination. This process uses standard sunlight, eliminating the need for artificial or controlled light sources – making it scalable and accessible.
Dr. Sn Sridhara, vice-chancellor of the hit song, called it a “giant leap towards addressing climate change”, adding: “By using solar energy to convert Co₂ into useful fuels, this development not only pushes scientific boundaries but also provides a practical roadmap to combat one of the most critical challenges.”
Going forward, the research team plans to incorporate artificial intelligence into its work to identify more efficient materials to produce clean fuels. Through this discovery, HITS sets a powerful example of how Indian science and global cooperation can build a greener and more sustainable future.
