FastTrack

Plant life is powered by highly efficient photosynthesis, but the exact mechanisms behind it are still a mystery. The EU-funded FastTrack project aims to better understand how nature converts and transports such solar energy. Researchers will investigate how energy is transported on the nanoscale by using super-resolved optical microscopy to track membrane transport and quantify diffusion. They will also quantify the rate and efficiency of charge separation in photosynthesis reaction centres using ultrafast photo-thermoelectric graphene and photo-electrochemical detection. Finally, the project will use spectroscopic and functional imaging to visualise how membranes respond, specifically changes in packing density, order, diffusion and charge separation pathways. The objective is to eventually develop artificial photosynthesis for use in solar power.

Duration: 1 November 2022 - 31 October 2027