Electrochemical process and system for producing glucose

Abstract

An electrochemical process and system for producing glucose and glucose precursors are described. The process and system allow for the production of glucose from carbon dioxide and water, requiring only melanin, or a precursor, derivative, analog, or variant of melanin, and electromagnetic energy, such as visible or invisible light energy.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . An electrochemical process for producing glucose, the process comprising reacting water and carbon dioxide gas dissolved therein in the presence of at least one melanin material and a source of electromagnetic energy, wherein the at least one melanin material is selected from melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants, such that glucose is produced. 
     
     
         21 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 20 , wherein the electrochemical process is a photoelectrochemical process and the source of electromagnetic energy is visible or invisible light energy having a wavelength between 200 nm and 900 nm. 
     
     
         22 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 20 , further comprising continuously dissolving carbon dioxide gas in the water. 
     
     
         23 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 20 , wherein the at least one melanin material is present in at least one melanin device, the at least one melanin device comprised of a substrate and the at least one melanin material, such that the at least one melanin material is prevented from being dispersed throughout the water. 
     
     
         24 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 23 , wherein the substrate of the at least one melanin device is silica, such that a mixture of the melanin material and silica is formed. 
     
     
         25 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 20 , wherein the process is carried out at a temperature ranging from 0° C. to 25° C. 
     
     
         26 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 20 , wherein the at least one melanin material is selected from natural melanin and synthetic melanin. 
     
     
         27 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 20 , wherein the at least one melanin material is the only water-electrolyzing material used in the process. 
     
     
         28 . An electrochemical process for producing glucose and glucose precursors having the general formula C n H 2n O n , wherein n represents 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, the process comprising reacting water and carbon dioxide gas dissolved therein in the presence of at least one melanin material and a source of electromagnetic energy, wherein the at least one melanin material is selected from melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants, such that glucose or the glucose precursor is produced. 
     
     
         29 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 28 , wherein the electrochemical process is a photoelectrochemical process and the source of electromagnetic energy is visible or invisible light energy having a wavelength between 200 nm and 900 nm. 
     
     
         30 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 28 , wherein the at least one melanin material is present in at least one melanin device, the at least one melanin device comprised of a substrate and the at least one melanin material, such that the at least one melanin material is prevented from being dispersed throughout the water. 
     
     
         31 . The electrochemical process according to  claim 28 , wherein the at least one melanin material is selected from natural melanin and synthetic melanin. 
     
     
         32 . A system for producing glucose and, glucose precursors having the general formula C n H 2n O n , wherein n represents 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, via an electrochemical process, the system comprising:
 (i) a reaction cell for receiving water and carbon dioxide gas dissolved therein, and at least one melanin material present in at least one melanin device, the at least one melanin device comprised of a substrate and the at least one melanin material, such that the at least one melanin material is prevented from being dispersed throughout the water, wherein the at least one melanin material is selected from melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants; and   (ii) a source of electromagnetic energy, such that the electromagnetic energy is transmitted into the reaction cell and is absorbed by the at least one melanin material.   
     
     
         33 . The system according to  claim 32 , wherein the reaction cell is connected to a device for continuously injecting CO 2  gas into the reaction cell. 
     
     
         34 . The system according to  claim 32 , wherein the source of electromagnetic energy is invisible or visible light energy having a wavelength between 200 nm and 900 nm. 
     
     
         35 . The system according to  claim 32 , wherein the reaction cell is a closed reaction cell. 
     
     
         36 . The system according to  claim 32 , wherein the at least one melanin material is selected from natural melanin and synthetic melanin. 
     
     
         37 . The system according to  claim 32 , wherein the at least one melanin material is the only water-electrolyzing material present in the system.