Dr. Hassan Sepehrmansuri, in an interview with Qom University’s Public Relations news unit, stated: "In today’s world, considering recent advancements in science, one of the most important issues is energy. Environmental issues and energy storage are among global concerns. Many scientists are pursuing research and projects to save energy in this regard."

He added, "One important area being worked on is photocatalysts. Photocatalytic systems use resources whose energy is not running out. Currently, the only inexhaustible energy source we can utilize is sunlight. Photocatalytic systems use sunlight and can have many applications. In this recent invention, we conducted a series of organic reactions that required high energy and temperature at ambient temperature using visible light, which not only eliminates the need for other energy sources but is completely clean and does not harm the environment."

 

Dr. Sepehrmansuri emphasized: "In this photocatalytic system, we used metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These metal-organic frameworks are synthesized from metal and certain organic compounds that can form porous structures, meaning they have cavities inside them. Therefore, when sunlight shines on this system, light gets trapped inside these cavities and can increase electron transfers. The production of more electron transfers leads to greater efficiency and performance. In this recently patented system, we have doubled this capability."

 

The faculty member from the Faculty of Strategic Sciences and Technologies (Convergent) at Qom University continued: "In this system, we used MOF on MOF; MOF stands for Metal-Organic Frameworks. We used two MOFs based on zirconium and titanium metals, and the presence of polymeric layers of carbon nitride with synergistic properties increased the efficiency and performance of the system utilizing sunlight. This led to a reduction in reactions that typically take 15 or 16 hours down to 5 hours without high energy consumption."

 

This invention marks my third patent in the field of energy consumption and environmental sustainability.

 

He stated: "The specific reaction that we were primarily concerned with is cross-coupling, which establishes carbon-carbon bonds. This is one of the important reactions in organic chemistry and can be designed and synthesized using these systems in pharmaceutical compounds, explosives, and many other compounds currently being developed worldwide."

 

Dr. Sepehrmansuri noted: "The method we invented in this system, which has been patented, allowed us to synthesize biphenyl compounds using a new photocatalytic system. This invention took about a year and a half to two years to develop and was registered under the name of Qom University. Furthermore, this is the third patent I have obtained, all of which are in the field of energy consumption and environmental sustainability."

 

"The energy crisis is no joke and should be viewed as a serious issue."

A faculty member of Qom University stated, "Whether we like it or not, energies such as electricity and water will eventually run out. Therefore, if we can invent a system that reduces energy consumption or utilizes renewable energies like solar power, which is not diminishing, it is very important. This can be applied in many organic reactions, the production of explosives, the development of pharmaceutical systems, and even for the destruction of pollutants."

 

The faculty member from Qom University stated: "We are currently researching and designing photocatalytic systems that can eliminate and degrade many environmental pollutants such as antibiotics, dyes, and various contaminants released by industries into the environment. This means converting substances into water and carbon dioxide using the photocatalytic system, which is both environmentally necessary and clean."

 

He concluded: "Based on my personal experience, I suggest that if scientists and researchers can engage in these types of environmental systems, it will definitely benefit us and will also be fruitful for future generations. We hope that this recent patent can help resolve issues in this field and make a significant contribution to science and our country while also expanding."