There are two ideas for the evolution of this product and its incorporation into the car.
IDEA #1
The concept design was
making a small and compact see-through pod which conforms to the bottom frame
of the car. It is divided into two compartments, with the gas compartment being
smaller than the other. It would have tubes which connect to the exhaust
system, allowing gases to diffuse into one compartment of the pod. The
compartment is separated by a porous membrane which not only monitors the
concentration and rate of carbon dioxide but also prevents too much from coming
in by allowing another opening to open if too much gas builds up. In the other
compartment, genetically engineered plants will be stored which complete
photosynthesis more efficiently and are able to withstand high temperatures.
The pod also has a portion at the end which allows it to open or be connected
to another exact pods. The pods can be connected to span the length of the
frame of the car.
IDEA #2
This concept idea would involve the use of current research that is being done with artificial photosynthesis, a process achieved through biomimetics (modeling engineering processes after processes that occur in nature; modeling nature with technology) [1]. Artificial photosynthesis could replace plant life altogether, which would increase the length of time before the product has to be replaced.
Photosynthesis consists of three steps: harvesting the energy from light, moving protons across the thylakoid membrane in plant cells to transfer electrons down the electron transport chain, and transferring electrons to oxidize water. These steps result in the input of carbon dioxide and the byproduct of oxygen that will be released into the atmosphere. These three steps are currently being modeled with photoelectrochemistry and modified enzymes [2]. The first step is still the use of solar energy to run the processes but the second and third steps are varied. In order to move the electrons and protons, there is NADP+ which serves as an electron carrier in natural photosynthesis [3]. A method using a ruthenium-based complex has been found and will act as the basis for moving the proton and two electrons. The third step has been mimicked in several ways but the most efficient way would be through photocatalytic water splitting [4]. Photocatalytic cells are essentially solar cells that electrolize water to hydrogen and oxygen, or just electrical energy. If it electrolizes water to oxygen, then that can be used in order to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen [4].
These processes will have to be combined and connected in a chain like they are in photosynthesis, and would have to be attached to the side of the car or right underneath it. Since the photocatalytic water splitting process requires light, that part would protrude slightly to get direct sunlight, and the rest can be built underneath the car or even within the engine if the connection between the photocatalytic cells and the rest of the artificial photosynthesis can be done. Then, a tube would be attached to the photocatalytic cells that would merge with the tailpipe underneath the car, and release only oxygen instead of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Though much of the research for artificial photosynthesis is still in progress and the stability is not maximized, this filtering system would be possible several years from now and would make many cars more environment-friendly.
[1] Biomimetic Robotics. [Online]. Available: http://www-cdr.stanford.edu/biomimetics/
[2] J. Layton. How Artificial Photosynthesis Works. [Online]. Available: http://science.
howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/energy-production/artificial-photosynthesis.htm
[3] Artificial Photosynthesis Will Replace Oil. [Online]. Available: http://news.softpedia.com/news/
Artificial-Photosynthesis-Will-Replace-Oil-50629.shtml
[4] F. Osterloh, B. Parkinson. (2011, January). Recent developments in solar water-splitting photocatalysis. [Online]. Available: http://chemgroups.ucdavis.edu/~osterloh/pubs/ref_47.pdf
