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The Weizmann
Institute:
A Powerhouse
of Energy
Research
Table of contents
A Powerhouse of Innovative Energy Research ............................................ 6
Why Weizmann?.......................................................................................... 10
Biofuels: New Power from Plants.................................................................. 22
Clean Fuel Synthesis..................................................................................... 36
The Promise of Super-Hot Plasmas................................................................ 42
A Safer, More Plentiful Nuclear Energy Source............................................... 44
Teaching Tomorrow’s Energy Scientists and the Public................................... 46
What the Future Holds................................................................................. 48
Milestones in Weizmann Alternative Energy Research.................................... 52
Thanks to our Friends who Support Energy Research in Israel........................ 55
5
6
The innovative program of energy research
AERI serves as the framework for accelerating,
at the Weizmann Institute is based on the
coordinating, and sharing alternative energy
conviction that only basic science can provide
research at the Institute.
the radical, paradigm-shifting changes needed
A Powerhouse
of Innovative Energy
Research
to make a major difference in the world’s
It should be noted that many of the groups
energy outlook in this century. Alternative
conducting alternative energy research at
energy research received a major boost in
Weizmann have received grants from the
2006 with a pledge and a challenge from Mr.
European Research Council, the European
Yossie Hollander, an Israeli business leader and
equivalent of the McArthur Foundation grants in
alternative energy advocate. The result was the
the U.S., which are dubbed the ‘genius grants.’
Alternative and sustainable Energy Research
ERC grants are substantial and are given over
Initiative (AERI), followed by the Mary and Tom
the course of five years, enabling recipients
Weizmann Institute scientists are responding
particularly in solar technologies. Israel leads the
Beck-Canadian Center for Alternative Energy
to conduct innovative research at the highest
to one of the world’s greatest challenges: the
world in the per-capita use of solar power and
Research, established in 2007, to create an
levels. Weizmann scientists in the alternative
need to create clean, affordable, sustainable
has ambitious plans for a clean-tech economy
endowment for AERI and thus for future energy
energy area who have received ERC grants
energy that will enable food production, provide
founded on scientific and technical innovation.
research at the Weizmann Institute. Other
include Dr. Asaph Aharoni, Prof. Naama Barkai,
clean water, foster economic growth, address
The Weizmann Institute stands out among the
donors with a shared vision for expanding
Prof. Avraham Levy, Prof. Leeor Kronik, Dr. Ron
global climate change, close the gaps between
world’s centers of scientific discovery because
research in clean and sustainable energy
Milo, Prof. David Milstein, and Dr. Asaf Vardi.
rich and poor, and reduce political instability.
of its dedication to pure science, its robust
have contributed generously to these funds.
It is an increasingly urgent need, given the
interdisciplinary culture, and its heritage as a
burgeoning global population and the world’s
national center for innovation and technological
dependence on oil and gas. The physical
spinoffs. Its founder and the first President of
security of Israel and the energy security of
the State of Israel, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, was
the world depend on the development of new
a biotech entrepreneur and organic chemist
sources of economical and renewable energy.
with more than 40 patents, including a process
for making acetone from fermentation.
The Weizmann Institute and Israel are poised to
make a critical difference in sustainable energy
This booklet highlights some of the
research. Israel, with few natural resources but
Weizmann Institute’s major milestones in
an abundance of sunshine and brainpower, is an
energy research, current groundbreaking
innovative powerhouse in energy research, and
investigations, and plans for the future.
7
8
Canadian
Connections
at the Weizmann
Institute
A group of generous Canadian donors have
To that end, in 1982, Weizmann Canada held
fostered energy research at the Weizmann
fundraising dinners in Montreal and in Toronto.
Institute of Science from well before the
A dinner was also held in Vancouver in honor
Canadian solar tower on campus. The fifth
of Morris Wosk in 1984, which established
president of the Institute, Prof. Israel Dostrovsky,
one wing of the Center. Another wing was
dreamed of creating an ultramodern solar
established by the Toronto families of Wilfred
energy research facility. His vision inspired both
Posluns and James Kay. The two research
the President of the Canadian Society for the
buildings are named after Jacob Hendeles
Weizmann Institute of Science, James Kay, and
and Leo Perkell of Toronto. A plaza in front of
its Executive Vice President, the late James
the building was created for Helen and Sam
Senor, to establish the Canadian Institute for
Steinberg of Montreal. Jake Hendeles was
the Energies and Applied Research (CIEAR), a
involved with every stage of planning and
facility for basic and applied energy research.
co-chaired with Morris Kerzner, the Energy
Sub-committee of the Canadian Society, which
oversaw the construction and financing. In
1986 Tom Beck took over as President of the
Canadian Society and undertook to raise the
funds to complete the project. The full list of
supporters appears at the end of this booklet.
The solar tower and laboratories of the Canadian
Institute for the Energies and Applied Research
were completed in 1987, one of the most
advanced facilities for research in concentrated
solar energy ever built on an academic campus.
The solar tower
research facility on
Weizmann Institute
campus
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10
Why Weizmann?
The Weizmann Institute of Science focuses on
can be captured by solar (photovoltaic) cells.
the basic scientific challenges of energy research.
There have been a number of “firsts” from
The synergy of its interdisciplinary approach
Weizmann research already, such as the first
rallies the strengths of physics, chemistry, biology
solar “batteries” that can both convert solar
and mathematics, including also environmental,
into electrical energy and store it as such,
plant, materials and computer sciences, and
solar-pumped lasers that can be tuned to drive
other perspectives to the challenge of producing
specific chemical reactions, and new types of
clean, dependable, and affordable energy for the
nano solar cells. Solar cell researchers are now
future. In a field that is often distracted by short-
being joined by optical science experts to find
term solutions and quick fixes, the Weizmann
new ways to manipulate sunlight for more
Institute’s focus is on long-term solutions,
efficient solar to electrical energy conversion.
which requires the patience of basic research.
Direct conversion of sunlight into chemical
The Institute’s strategy for producing electricity
energy is the realm of photosynthesis. Weizmann
from sunlight is to begin with analyzing how
scientists are searching plant genomes for species
light particles, photons, transfer their energy
and traits with potential for biofuels—fuels whose
to atoms and molecules; how electrons and
source is derived from plants and algae. They
ions, move within and between materials; and
are looking at ways to modify the metabolism
how to increase the part of the sunlight that
of plants to increase the plant’s production of
the building blocks for biofuels. Our scientists
The Weizmann Institute’s long experience with
are also investigating new ways to break down
concentrated solar energy is focused on finding
common crop wastes, such as cellulose, into basic
ways to convert solar energy into chemical energy
sugars that are useable for fuel. One approach
by high temperature chemistry, so as to provide
has been to combine the cellulose-degrading
storable clean fuels. For instance, they have
elements from bacteria, fungi, and algae into
pioneered solar-driven chemistry to refine zinc
bioengineered artificial “organelles”, microscopic
from zinc oxide, which is usable for fuel cells.
biological factories. In addition, a major research
They have demonstrated solar thermal splitting
effort is well underway at Weizmann focusing
of methane and solar reforming of hydrocarbons
on identifying new algae-based biofuels.
for synthetic fuels. Another promising approach
has been to use a solar-heated “melt” of
The lessons learned in our scientists’ research on
salts to convert carbon dioxide into carbon
photosynthesis and solar cells will contribute to
monoxide (easily turned into fuel) and oxygen.
a major, long-term goal of our alternative energy
research program, which is to advance the
As plants do not use concentrated sunlight,
understanding of, and the likely road blocks and
research is also underway to convert non-
show stoppers for “artificial photosynthesis”—
concentrated sunlight to electrical energy.
i.e., finding ways to mimic photosynthesis by
A Weizmann group has developed a novel
efficiently converting sunlight into usable fuel—in
clean catalyst that uses sunlight to speed the
a way that will not compete with food production.
hydrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen.
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The road ahead
enhance the available yearly funding for
The biggest research challenge is finding ways
alternative sustainable energy research
to overcome the loss of energy during the
at the Weizmann Institute, and builds on
Racing Toward New
Energy Options
energy-conversion process. Today’s promising
a strong framework of research projects
alternative energy options all rely on the
that have garnered important insights.
Thanks to a landmark gift from the
Helmsley Charitable Trust,
the Weizmann Institute and the Technion
join hands in a major initiative to advance
alternative energy research
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable
focuses primarily on basic research with minor
Trust announced a gift of $15 million over three
technological components, while the Technion
years to fund joint research in solar energy and
emphasizes engineering technologies using
biofuels between the Weizmann Institute of
basic research-derived insights. Combining the
Science and the Technion – Israel Institute of
best talent in Israel working in these areas will
Technology. The research projects combine the
significantly accelerate solar energy research.
institutions’ outstanding brainpower and research
capabilities in three key areas: biofuels research,
The partnership builds on Israeli Center of
solar cells, and optics to improve solar light
Research Excellence (ICORE) in alternative energy,
harvesting. All these areas show great promise for
in which the Weizmann Institute participates
dramatically advancing alternative energy options.
with the Technion and Ben-Gurion University. The
ICORE program is designed to concentrate Israeli
T h e We i z m a n n a n d Te c h n i o n s o l a r
government research funding in areas where
energy conversion programs are strongly
it can be most effective, and also encourage
complementary: The Weizmann Institute
top Israeli scientists to return from abroad.
quantum conversion of sunlight. They are:
biofuels—the use of biological resources such
One of the major advantages of the Helmlsey
as wheat straw and algae to create clean-
grant is that it will enable scientists to work
burning fuels; photovoltaics—the conversion
on all three areas—biofuels solar cells, and
of sunlight into electricity; and optics, to
optics—in parallel, which is highly important
more effectively absorb and better utilize
because the best solutions may involve
sunlight. The hope and expectation is that
combinations of all of them, explains Prof.
insights from these areas will coalesce to pave
David Cahen of the Department of Materials
the way towards artificial photosynthesis,
and Interfaces and director of AERI, who will
mimicking the process of energy conversion
direct the Weizmann projects. Prof. Cahen has
method of plants to generate synthetic fuels.
worked closely with his Technion counterpart,
Prof. Gideon Grader, head of the Grand-
The single-largest conversion loss in solar
Technion Energy Program, and he and other
conversion to biofuel, to electricity, or
Weizmann scientists have joint research and
to synthetic fuels is in fact that only part
publications with several Technion scientists.
of all the sunlight is absorbed during the
energy conversion process and only part of
By the third year of the Helmlsey-backed project
that absorbed light is actually converted to
there will be a fully operational, state-of-the-art
electrical or chemical energy. Thus, in this new
core facility for biofuels research based at the
partnership Weizmann and Technion scientists
Weizmann Institute. This facility will include
will include basic research in optics to find
automated cell handling, genetic manipulation,
suitable, smart, and innovative light manipulation
and biochemical analysis equipment needed for
to overcome or bypass some of these losses.
the scientists involved in biofuel research from
the departments of Plant Sciences, Biological
The Helmsley advantage
Chemistry, Molecular Genetics, and other
The Helmsley energy program will significantly
disciplines. The equipment will be available
.
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for continuing work within the AERI and ICORE
Current Research in Direct
Sunlight directly to electricity (photovoltaic cells)
biofuel programs and help make Weizmann
Solar Energy Conversion
3. Sunlight to fuel, which includes the
Institute scientists more competitive for all
Sunlight is by far the most abundant carbon-
conversion of solar energy using a chemical
future biofuel-related grants.
neutral energy resource. More solar energy
process and efforts to store solar energy
strikes the land surface of the earth in three
In the previous sections the construction of the
hours (or, about 24 hrs, if we limit ourselves to
solar tower and its commercial spinoffs served
the inhabitable parts) than is obtained from all
to highlight some of the major developments
of the fossil fuels consumed globally in a year.
in the sunlight-to-concentrated-thermal
But, for solar to become a major provider of
energy strategy, which in different ways,
the world’s energy needs it must offer cost-
advances the work of Profs. Jacob Karni of
effective solutions for power production, fuel
the Department of Environmental Sciences and
alternatives, long-term storage, and convenient
Igor Lubomirsky of the Department of Materials
transportation options. Therefore, Weizmann
and Interfaces. In the following section, we
Commercialization
of Weizmann Solar
Technologies
Three commercial efforts using solar-
scientists are pursuing three main strategies
powered gas turbines that are based on
for converting sunlight to usable energy:
will describe the other major approach to
concentrated solar power designs proven at
1. Sunlight-to-thermal energy for heat and
direct conversion of sunlight, by way of the
the Weizmann Institute are in various stages
power production
photovoltaic effect, which is basis of solar cells.
of implementation, and a fourth is pending:
2 .
• A 75 kW demonstration plant was completed
in Nanjing, China, in 2005 in a project that
involved cooperation between Chinese and
Israeli industries and Hohai University of Nanjing
•
A new project to commercialize this
technology has been launched in southern
Israel near Eilat, beginning with a 100kW
plant built at Kibbutz Samar (see photo)
•
A 170 kW thermal energy plant is
being tested in Almeira, Spain, for water
desalinization and power production
•
A program to commercialize an
advanced version of this system is in an
early stage of development in the U.S.
Built by Aora Solar, a 30m-high
tower stands in a field of mirrors
on 0.5 acre (2,000 sq.m.) of
land at Kibbutz Samar near
Eilat. It can generate 100kW
of electric power in addition to
170kW of thermal power
per hour.
Solar Cells
Beginning with the basics
Charge separation induced by light is critical
for solar energy conversion. Our research
focuses on trying to understand the limits of
photovoltaic cells and using that understanding
to improve their ability to absorb sunlight and
its transfer into usable energy. Electron Transfer
(ET) reactions are among the most fundamental
processes in chemistry and biology. In biology, ET
is crucial for various energy conversion processes,
from respiration to photosynthesis. It is clear
to Weizmann scientists that understanding
both of these basic processes are critical to
developing future generations of solar cells.
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The extremely thin
absorber (ETA) solar cell
Prof. David Cahen formulated criteria, based
them to experiment with new generations
They recently discovered (and are currently
on solar cell and module performance data,
of self-assembled layers. Such layers provide
developing) a new type of conducting polymer,
that serve to evaluate and compare all types
a general approach to new materials, based
conducting polyselenophenes; and a new
of today’s solar cells. With his colleagues, he
on the pioneering work of Weizmann’s Prof.
type of a shorter molecule, an oligomer,
assessed the data to gauge how much significant
Jacob Sagiv in the early 1980s, to create
called alpha oligofuran, both of which
Today’s crystalline silicon cells, the most
progress can be expected for the various cell
light-harvesting materials and solar cells.
show promise for solar cell applications. The
common type of solar cells, require large
oligofuran molecule is directly obtainable
energy input for their manufacturing process,
types and, most importantly, from both the
science and technology points of view, if there
Dr. Rybtchinski and his team design nanodevices
from biomass, and could be used for organic
which results in an energy payback time of
are upper boundaries that could limit progress
to self-assemble in water. The unique chemistry
semiconductors and other “green electronics”.
several years. Basic studies at the Weizmann
in each of these basic solar cell types. Defining
of water (the basis of all life) provides the tools
such limits places into a clearer framework the
to direct the assembly process. In this wet
enormous efforts of today’s research on solar
environment, the team is developing adaptable
cells, including those at the Weizmann, and
systems that can change their function in
helps focus efforts on ways to overcome them, in
response to an external stimulus. Most biological
order to pave the way for the creation of cheap,
molecules are either repelled or attracted to
sustainable, and practical energy conversion.
water molecules, and this property determines
their position in living cells and tissues. Prof.
Rybtchinski uses sophisticated molecular
New materials and
new concepts
methods to exploit the hydrophobic—that is,
Weizmann scientists have copied a key concept
into solar-energy-converting units. Like many
from nature in creating new combinations of
biological molecules, such systems could be
materials that “self-assemble” in solution. These
multi-functional, capable of rearranging their
versatile structures can be used for complex
structure through simple chemical reactions.
“water-hating”—properties of certain organic
molecules, manipulating them to self-assemble
functions such as light harvesting and control
of surface properties (smart materials). Thus,
Prof. Bendikov and his group design, synthesize,
the research of organic chemists Profs. Michael
and develop novel types of organic electronic
Bendikov and Boris Rybtchinski complements
materials. Their work significantly expands the
that of Profs. Gary Hodes and David Cahen in the
variety of materials available for application
Department of Materials and Interfaces, enabling
in organic solar cells, organic field effect
transistors, and organic light-emitting diodes.
Prof. David Cahen
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Institute during the latter half of the 1990s
that the problems with copper actually made
removed a major psychological obstacle for
CIGS cells more stable than any of the other
the (now commercialized) thin film solar cells
solar cell materials. Their experimental work
based on the materials copper indium selenide
was borne out also by experiments in the
and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).
harsh environment of space (by the European
The complexity of cells made up of three or
Space Agency). They showed that the reason
four elements, and the fact that one of the
is elementary: Most of the damage that can
elements (copper) is very mobile within the
occur in the material is indeed related to the
material (an anathema in normal electronics),
fact that the copper can move, but it can and
was thought to make CIGS solar cells less
does also move back! Thus, the chemistry of the
stable than others. Prof. Cahen, working with
material dictates it to be self-healing–that is, it
Prof. Kronik and European colleagues, showed
repairs itself. They showed how this property
makes CIGS solar cells remarkably stable ones.
The big brother of CIGS cells in the so-called
it. In addition Prof. Hodes developed an alternative
2nd generation of solar cells uses the material
stable contact, which further solved the problem.
cadmium tellurium. For decades it was plagued
FS cells became commercial soon after NREL
by a real instability problem. Towards the end
scientists confirmed the Weizmann results.
of the 1990s the U.S. Department of Energy’s
National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) turned
The trick in a good solar cell is to get the
to two Weizmann scientists, Profs. Cahen and
negatively charged electrons that have been
Hodes, to take a new look at the problem as part
freed by light absorption from the atoms,
of its effort to help First Solar (FS), an American
to flow out of the cell (and through the
company, commercialize these cells. Within a
external circuit, to do the electrical work,
few years, the Weizmann experts showed that
before flowing back into the cell) before they
the cause of the instability was embarrassingly
return to the now positively charged atoms. In
simple—essentially uncontrolled exposure to
the very thin (less than tens of nanometers),
oxygen and water—and found ways to overcome
active light absorber in an ETA cell this direct
recombination of photogenerated electrons
and the positively charged “holes” left in
the absorber should compete much less with
charge removal than in the thicker absorber
materials used in today’s cells. As a result, the
researchers expect that poorer quality (and
less expensive) materials can be used in an
ETA cell, which would expand the choice of
semiconductors over those currently in use.
Prof. Gary Hodes, a world expert in ETA cells, ultrathin films, and in nano-solar cells in general, works
with his colleagues to maximize the efficiency
of solar cells while exploring new ways to make
them less expensive. They currently explore
how to optimize new types of ETA solar cells.
Prof. Michael Bendikov
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Organic solar cells
Solar cells made with organic materials offer a
potentially efficient and low-cost way to convert
sunlight to electrical power. Scientists have
already demonstrated the proof-of-principle of
such devices. However, the difficult processing
conditions required and the limited efficiency
of current organic solar cells hampers their
commercialization. Prof. Milko van der Boom
in the Department of Organic Chemistry works
on redesigning these experimental organic solar
cells using thermally and photochemically robust
organic materials that are easily available and
processed. In fact, part of the cell would be
self-assembling because it would be based on
organic molecules that would attach and build
themselves into a buffering layer between two
components of the experimental organic solar
cells. Prof. van der Boom’s novel, bottom-up
method enables his group to grow and self-
Prof. Milko van der Boom
assemble custom-designed molecules, which they
then integrate into a very thin film, (about 2 to
40 nanometers thick). Instead of adding precise
layers of molecules on a growing film surface,
the film itself acts as an active component,
serving as a reservoir for metal ions needed for its
formation and resulting in exponential growth.
Helping solar cells
to use sunlight
more efficiently
Prof. Gary Hodes
and other scientists on projects that aim to
minimize some of the losses inherent in the
basic science of the solar energy conversion
process. The most fundamental limits result
Solar energy is so attractive that we often
from the fact that the light-to-electrical or light-
overlook its problems. One of these is that,
to-chemical energy conversion is a threshold
except for conversion to heat, many promising
process and the energy extracted from high-
and sophisticated uses of sunlight require its
energy photons is limited to the threshold of
direct conversion to electrical or chemical energy,
the absorber. If the threshold is, say, in the
and such conversion is woefully inefficient,
red-light part of the solar spectrum, all infrared
even for the much more efficient conversion to
solar radiation cannot be used, as its energy
electricity. The problem is that there are basic
is below the threshold. At the same time,
scientific limitations. While scientists cannot
only the red-energy part of light that is above
change the laws of nature, there are ways to
the threshold can be used (e.g., only about
circumvent the limits dictated by these laws.
half of the blue light energy would be used).
Dr. Dan Oron (Department of Physics of
Complex Systems) and Profs. Gary Hodes
and David Cahen are working with theorist
Prof. Leeor Kronik (Materials and Interfaces),
Concentrating
sunlight
Weizmann scientists are exploring redesigning a
solar cell in new ways to maximize their use of
the incoming light. Possibilities include designing
Prof. Leeor Kronik
cells with three different types of absorbers, each
using a different part of the spectrum; or using
a mirror or prism to split the incoming light and
redirect it to absorbers for different wavelengths.
A third possibility is “stacking” three nanoscale layers of extremely thin absorbers on a
single cell. There are costs and tradeoffs to be
weighed and new materials to be explored.
There are several other ways to concentrate
sunlight that involve even more elegant physics.
Prof. Nir Davidson and Dr. Dan Oron, both
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How do QDs work?
energetics of different sizes of QDs deposited
“up-conversion.” However, for up-conversion to
Understanding how QD-sensitized solar cells
experimental findings showed them how the
photons reaching solar cells to make use of
be efficient, it requires presently a tremendously
operate requires, among other challenges,
size of the QD affects its electrical properties
available sunlight more efficiently. Together, they
large optical flux, typically thousands to a
accurate determination of the relative
(size matters more than expected) and how the
will explore methods for light concentration.
million times higher than that of direct sunlight.
energies of the highest energy electrons (the
strength of the QD-electrode interaction allows a
“energetics”) in the various components of the
highly efficient QD to electrode charge transfer.
from the Department of Physics of Complex
energy photons (i.e., quanta of light) to a single
Systems, are working with Prof. Yehiam Prior,
photon with a higher energy, a process called
Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, to “manage”
On the macro scale, they are experimenting
with the geometry of lenses and diffraction
There has been progress worldwide in quantum-
cell, the quantum dots and the electrodes. The
screens and reflectors to concentrate the
dot sensitized solar cells in the last few years, with
researchers and Prof. Ron Naaman (Department
incoming light. On the nanoscale, they are
reported solar-to-electrical energy conversion
of Chemical Physics) and their students used
developing various nanostructures and ways
efficiencies growing rapidly. Dr. Oron and
several sophisticated optical and ultra-high
of manipulating light to significantly enhance
colleagues from Bar-Ilan University recently
vacuum spectroscopy methods, to measure the
the absorption rate of the target materials.
described a new way to create quantum-dot
Quantum-dot solar
cells
A quantum dot is a tiny particle of a semiconductor
material, so small that the semiconductor behaves
like a large molecule. Its name comes from the
fact that it has clearly observable quantum
mechanics effects at room temperature (instead
of at the very low temperatures, normally
required to see such effects in semiconductors).
Dr. Oron is leading a project to use quantum
dots as the basis for a new generation of light
harvesting devices. He has shown that these
tiny nanocrystals of semiconducting materials
can serve as light absorbers. There have been
many attempts to reduce the loss of lowenergy sunlight (the infra-red parts) by using
advanced optical methods to “fuse” two low
on titanium oxide (TiO2) electrodes. Their
(QD) solar cells that could achieve much higher
conversion rates. Their new strategy called
Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET), involves
transfer of energy from the QD to a molecule
and transfer of electrons from the molecules.
In this design, QDs serve as “antennas” that
funnel the absorbed energy to nearby dye
molecules via FRET rather than being used
directly as a source of electrons. This opens
up a great number of possibilities for possible
donor/acceptor pairings. This geometry can
potentially reduce in a dramatic manner the
required electrode thickness and opens the
possibility of use of a solid electrolyte, of the
type that Prof. Gary Hodes uses in his ETA cells,
and an expected increase in the cell’s voltage.
Dr. Dan Oron
Prof. Nir Davidson
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Plant biomass can serve as a feedstock to produce
energy-rich feedstock. In addition, novel enzyme
different types of biofuels: The two leading types
complexes are being developed for digesting
of biofuel are based on converting sugars to
the plant biomass into sugars that can be used
alcohol, mostly ethanol; and converting oils (fatty
by improved yeast strains for fermentation
acids) into biodiesel. Photosynthetic organisms
and alcohol production. Twelve teams of
can also serve as bioreactors to produce hydrogen,
Weizmann Institute scientists are working
a third possibility for clean fuel from plants.
together on a number of basic science projects
related to enhancing biofuels production in a
Biofuels: New Power
from Plants
Not all our energy needs can be supplied
Plants are the central players in the interaction
by electrical energy and we urgently need
between humanity and the biosphere. Over 80
renewable chemical energy sources, especially
percent of the land and water used by humanity
liquid fuels for transportation, that can be
is dedicated to growing plants for food, fuel,
produced in a sustainable manner. In a world
and building material. Therefore, one of the key
economy sensitive to fossil fuel prices, biofuels
questions being asked by scientists is whether
offer a sustainable option that would require
large amounts of biofuel can be produced
minimal changes in existing transportation
without compromising the global capacity for
technology, infrastructure, and distribution
food production. Weizmann scientists think it’s
networks. However, at the genetic level, existing
possible. One of their solutions is to use algae
crops are not optimal for large-scale biofuel
that can grow in the desert and other marginal
production. Domestication and breeding
lands, or in brackish or salty water not suitable
has focused on developing plants mostly
for conventional agricultural. Another option
for food production. Weizmann scientists
they propose is to use plant biomass from
are pursuing a range of strategies to make
agriculture and urban wastes. There is plenty
different varieties of plants a better source of
of such biomass to use, and this way arable
energy without compromising food production.
land is not lost in the effort to produce biofuel.
Research at the Weizmann Institute is aimed
consortium coordinated by Prof. Avraham Levy,
at understanding how plants and algae can
Head of the Department of Plant Sciences.
serve to provide biofuels and then to search
for responsible ways to engineer them with
improved metabolic pathways that would
enable them to generate larger amounts of
Prof. Avraham Levy
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Built on the grounds of one of Israel’s first
the salt-tolerant Dunaliella algae as a source
agricultural research stations, the Weizmann
of nutrients such as beta carotene, that are
Institute of Science has a long history of
major players in Israel’s agro-biotech sector.
innovations in plant and algal sciences. For
oil production for use in airplanes. Weizmann
Speeding up
the carbon cycle
scientists have developed a unique know-how
Dr. Ron Milo (Department of Plant Sciences)
in making more efficient food sources and
studies the fundamental processes that govern
exploiting natural biodiversity to improve
the carbon cycle on earth, including the major
crops such as wheat. Weizmann Institute
role of photosynthetic organisms. “Carbon
insights in plant biology have led to commercial
fixation,” i.e., taking carbon dioxide up from
spinoffs such as the commercial production of
the atmosphere, stripping it of its oxygens and
Institute’s founder, Prof. Chaim Weizmann, for
and specificity of Rubisco, the key enzyme
storing energy and accumulating biomass in
operating in the Calvin–Benson cycle however
the living world. The rate of carbon fixation
they have achieved only limited success.
can significantly limit growth of photosynthetic
instance, the first crop its scientists investigated
was castor beans, upon the request of the
making it into sugars, is the main pathway for
Dr. Ron Milo
organisms. Hence increasing the rate of carbon
Based on a survey of 5,000 naturally occurring
fixation is of major importance in the quest
enzymes and the mechanics of the six carbon
for agricultural and food security as well as for
fixation pathways found in nature, Dr. Milo
biofuel production. Carbon dioxide emissions are
reported that there were some promising
suspected to be the main cause of global warming,
carbon-fixing pathways that could be up to
so sequestration of carbon dioxide via efficient
two or three times faster than the conventional
carbon fixation can alleviate the greenhouse
Rubisco path. He developed algorithms that
effect and contribute to sustainable life on earth.
compared all possible metabolic pathways based
on kinetics, energetics, and topology. His initial
Photosynthetic organisms use sunlight to
findings point to a new family of synthetic carbon
drive carbon fixation through a complex
fixation pathways that utilize the most effective
series of enzymatic steps that reduce carbon
carbon-fixing enzyme, PEP carboxylase. It works
dioxide into sugars and then convert them
as part of the so-called “C4” carbon-fixing cycle
into metabolic building blocks. The Calvin–
used by plants such as corn and sugarcane
Benson cycle is the most prevalent carbon
to assimilate atmospheric CO2 into biomass.
fixation pathway in plants. However, nature
He is now testing these alternative carbon
employs several alternative carbon fixing
fixation cycles in microorganisms that depend
pathways. Dr. Milo is asking whether more
on carbon fixation as their sole carbon input.
efficient novel synthetic cycles could be devised.
In agriculture in which water, light, and
nutrients are abundant, carbon fixation could
become a significant growth-limiting factor.
Hence, increasing the fixation rate is of major
importance in the road toward sustainability
in food and energy production. There have
been recent attempts to improve the rate
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Unlocking the
potential of…
from producing primary metabolites, plants also
Plant metabolomics
are known to date. Therefore, a thorough, in-
Biofuels research requires the separation,
depth understanding of metabolic pathways is
detection, identification, and quantification
a pre-requisite to engineer and optimize plants
of numerous small molecules produced by
and microorganisms for biofuel production. In
the plant: monomers, oligomers, polymers,
the Department of Plant Sciences, Prof. Asaph
complex carbohydrates, fatty acids, and
Aharoni and Prof. Gad Galili are focusing on
lipids. This “metabolomics analysis” requires
direct analysis of plant metabolism using the plant
sophisticated gas and liquid chromatography
metabolomics methods they have pioneered.
synthesize a vast range of secondary (or specialized)
metabolites; more than 200,000 such structures
and specialized mass spectrometers. This
Prof. Yuval Eshed
work provides the data for the dissection of
They have used metabolic engineering approaches
complex biosynthesis pathways that make
to increase specific nutrition-associated and
the molecules used in the different types
health-associated secondary metabolites. For
the genes that regulate lysine synthesis and
and soft, and a mature plant whose stalks
of fuels, mostly lipids or carbohydrates.
example, Prof. Galili found ways to induce
learn how to manipulate lysine accumulation
and leaves are “tough” and high in lignin, a
plants to produce up to 1,000 times their usual
to produce a product such as high-lysine feed
complex chemical compound. Juvenile plants
The metabolic network of plants is by far more
amounts of the essential amino acid lysine. But
corn. Prof. Galili has similar ideas for how to
that are low in lignin are easier to digest and
extensive than in most other organisms. Apart
first, he and his research group had to discover
optimize plants for alcohol production through
turn into simple sugars, and generally make
guiding the conversion of primary metabolism
for better-quality biomass for fuel production.
into secondary metabolites that can be further
Prof. Gad Galili
converted into biofuel-efficient alcohols.
Prof. Eshed helped show that a microRNA
called miR156 is a general regulator of the
Plant growth
juvenile-to-adult transition, and its effects are
In groundbreaking work, Prof. Yuval Eshed
universal in plants. He showed that plants in
(Department of Plant Sciences) and colleagues
which miR156 is over-expressed—i.e., have
identified a group of genes controlling plant
more miR156—produce larger amounts of a
leaf growth. When this group of genes was
biomass that is easier to digest. In this way,
suppressed, it enabled leaves to grow to extremely
both the quality and quantity of biomass can
large sizes. Now he is concentrating on another
be improved as a feedstock for biofuel. Prof.
set of genes that control the transition between
Eshed is using the tools of genomics to identify
a juvenile plant, whose leaves are “tender”
additional genes related to the transition from
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juvenile to adult plant, which will add to the
Cellulose
Their “first generation” re-engineered
Prof. Ed Bayer (Department of Biological
cellulosomes used cellulases (enzymes involved
Chemistry) pioneered the field of cellulose
in breaking down cellulose) from Thermobifida
degradation in bacteria and the digestion of
Fusca, a common, heat-loving type of soil bacteria
The discoveries from Prof. Eshed’s lab can
cellulose with microorganisms and enzymes.
often found in active compost. Three of the six
be applied to a broad range of crops for the
Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer
T. fusca cellulases were converted by replacing
improvement of both food and fuel production.
on Earth. However, most of its potential energy
their cellulose-binding modules (CBMs) with
as food or a fuel is trapped in hard-to-digest
a connecting structure called a dockerin, and
Wheat
cell walls. Prof. Bayer focuses on cellulosomes,
the resultant recombinant “cellulosomized”
Wheat straw is an abundant commodity, and its
multi-enzyme complexes found in bacteria and
enzymes were incorporated into scaffolding
production is not at the expense of food. The
fungi that can degrade and digest cellulose,
proteins together with a CBM. The activities
a simple but incredibly resilient polymer.
of the resultant “designer” cellulosomes were
growing toolkit of ways to manipulate plants
to make their output more useful for humans.
world production of wheat straw, the inedible
stalks that are a byproduct of wheat farming, is
Prof. Ed Bayer
compared with an equivalent mixture of wild-type
about 700 billion tons, with similar amounts of
Cellulose is composed solely of the common
enzymes, and showed that some of their designs
wastes for rice and corn—all cellulosic products
sugar glucose that could be used to produce food
had marked improvements in performance over
the same mix of cellulases acting independently.
with minimal food value. It is estimated that
collections of wild wheat that grow in Israel.
(sugars) and fuel (alcohols and ethanol). Since
the conversion of just one billion tons of this
They hope to identify the genes that control
discovering the cellulosome with a colleague
cellulosic biomass could provide 30 percent
these traits and to transfer these traits to
in 1983, Prof. Bayer has emerged as a world
For their next-generation designer cellulosome,
of the U.S. needs in liquid fuel. However, its
modern wheat strains. In the first year of screening,
expert on this potential solution to liberating
they added another cellulase and tinkered
main challenges as feedstock for biofuel are its
the scientists tested the wild emmer wheat
the building blocks for food and energy from
with the structure, order, and combinations
high lignin and silica content that hinder the
that is the direct progenitor of domesticated
cellulose. His in-depth studies of the structure and
of the modules, looking for ways to improve
deconstruction of cellulosic biomass into simple
wheat, other primitive wheat types, and several
functioning of the cellulosomes found in nature
efficiency. Their engineered systems out-
sugars that can easily be turned into biofuels.
modern strains. The team is encouraged by
inspired him to start tinkering with its Lego-like
performed the mixtures of wild-type enzymes
the results, and has so far identified several
construction of the different functional modules
by working up to 2.9 times faster and
Prof. Avraham Levy’s group is working to
candidate genes whose expression could possibly
that are built on a simple biological scaffold—
converting up to 28 percent of the wheat
improve the composition of wheat straw for
contribute to lower lignin levels in modern wheat.
aptly called scaffoldin. He envisioned taking the
straw, without any prior treatment of the straw.
biofuel. Working with Prof. Aharoni’s plant
most efficient components found in nature and
metabolomics lab and genomics tools, the
The new wheat lines to be developed
reassembling them into “designer cellulosomes”
The ability to design and produce artificial
scientists are conducting a large-scale screen of
in the laboratory of Prof. Levy will be
that could speed up cellulose degradation
cellulosomes of such precise composition
wild wheat, looking for types with low -lignin,
tested by Prof. Ed Bayer for the enzymatic
immensely. He and colleagues have now created
provides a superb way to break down a
low-silica, and high-wax levels. They are using
digestibility of their straw into simple sugars.
several proof-of-concept designer cellulosomes.
variety of products into simple sugars and the
Prof. Naama Barkai
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32
Yeast
defined the growth and ethanol production
biofuel production is still in its infancy and
Prof. Naama Barkai in the Department of
of all their strains when provided glucose,
requires extensive research and development.
Molecular Genetics is using the tools of
galactose, xylose, or xylulose as a carbon
computational biology and metabolomics (the
source. They found an interesting range
Prof. Avihai Danon (Department of Plant
the study of the mechanics of metabolism) to
of diversity in their test groups, and are
Sciences) uses high-throughput genetic screens
develop yeast strains that can produce ethanol
working to isolate the genes and metabolic
to identify algae mutants rich in oil production.
or butanol from xylose. An abundant sugar
pathways responsible for the differences.
Triglycerides are the chief building blocks of
that is one of the main components (~30%)
precursors to other potential fuels. Dr. Bayer
fats and oils, and function to store chemical
of plant cell walls, xylose is wasted in most
Algae
energy in plants and animals. Scientists have
fermentation processes because current yeast
There are many advantages to algae as a source
observed that under certain stress conditions,
strains do not feed on it. In collaboration with
of energy. Single-celled microalgae grow quickly
some micro-algae species accumulate large
Prof. Avi Levy, Prof. Barkai is working to identify
and in abundance; they can be cultivated in
amounts of triglycerides, up to 50 percent
genes that increase yeast growth and alcohol
areas that are not suitable for agriculture; they
of their dry weight, which can easily be
production when using xylose as a growth media.
can grow in brackish water or seawater; and
converted into high-quality biodiesel fuel.
is working with Prof. Dan Tawfik (Department
their growth and fuel cycle releases no net
of Biological Chemistry), a leading expert in
Prof. Barkai, a molecular geneticist and a leader
greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide). That said,
Prof. Danon is trying to identify the network of
enzyme evolution and the development and
in systems biology, is using yeast genetics,
the use of microalgae for commercial scale
genes that regulate the synthesis of triglycerides
application of directed evolution technologies,
genomics, and evolution experiments in yeasts
to further develop this promising tool for
to find the critical regulatory nodes that could
efficient degradation of cellulose into glucose.
be “tuned” in order to rewire the metabolic
flow. She is concentrating on xylose metabolism
As they continue to refine their artificial
in the budding yeast to identify the regulatory
cellulosomes, Prof. Bayer will be testing the
changes that would improve the conversion
straw from any promising low-lignin strains of
into simple sugars for ethanol production.
wheat developed by Profs. Levy and Aharoni, and
providing the group of Prof. Barkai with samples
Her group is developing new high-throughput
of end products resulting from the action of both
methods in budding yeast species (S. cerevisiae,
designer cellulosomes and native cellulosomes,
and in strains of S. paradoxus, its closest relative)
since yeasts are the most cost-effective way
to quickly measure the growth and ethanol
to convert glucoses to alcohols for fuel.
production of yeast. Using this system, they
Dr. Assaf Vardi
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34
to enhance triglyceride
discovered that many of these viruses can
productivity. His team has
completely modify the lipid production of their
identified several potential
algal host and exploit their host as a lipid factory.
candidates for enhancing
He is working to trace the viral mechanisms
triglyceride biosynthesis in
for manipulating host lipid production and to
the widely grown micro-
unravel their molecular mechanics by coupling
algae Dunaliella salina.
the power of metabolomics and global gene
expression profiling during the infection process.
Prof. Avihai Danon
in micro-algae. This involves a large variety of
help optimize algal oil production, but it also
function genes: (1) oil molecule producers; (2) oil
will provide important basic information on
molecule transporters and packaging specialists;
the alga’s sensing and regulatory mechanisms.
(3) regulators of oil production in response to
environmental signals; and (4) coordinators
In a related project, Prof. Uri Pick is studying
of oil production with other processes, such
the regulation of accumulation of triglycerides
as photosynthesis. Prof. Danon and his team
in green algae to generate strains that produce
established an automated, high-throughput,
massive amounts of triglycerides that are suitable
genome-wide screen of algal genes. In the
for commercial production of biodiesel. Prof.
process, they have identified several stable
Pick’s team has sought to isolate triglyceride-
mutants of common algae that can produce
overproducing strains of two robust micro-
up to three times the lipid content of their
algae, Dunaliella salina and a Chlorella species,
parent strains. His group is analyzing the genetic
which are suitable for commercial cultivation.
differences that produced these new variations
Prof. Pick also has been working to identify
and is working to understand how the genes
triglyceride regulatory proteins and genes as
control lipid production. Not only will his work
potential candidates for genetic manipulation
Marine algae
The metabolomics expertise of the combined
Dr. Assaf Vardi, an expert
teams at the Weizmann Institute may help
in marine biology, is testing
him discover novel virus and algae genes
saltwater algae species as
that are involved in the regulation of lipid
platforms for fatty acids production. He is
biosynthesis in the host algae, and find possible
fascinated with the immense and sudden
ways to use them for biofuel production.
blooms of algae, the so-called red tides, that
can quickly cover hundreds of square miles
of ocean; and the fast-acting viruses that can
kill them off almost overnight. He recently
Prof. Uri Pick
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36
Photosynthesis at extreme
lessons from cyanobacteria to engineer algae
temperatures
and plants that can grow at higher temperatures.
To ensure that growing crops for energy
does not displace the growing of vital food
Towards artificial photosynthesis
crops, scientists like Prof. Avigdor Scherz are
Finally, Weizmann scientists are looking at
investigating how photosynthesis can operate
the basic process of photosynthesis itself and
efficiently at extreme temperatures, which
searching for ways to make it more efficient and
would make marginal lands and extreme
harness it in new ways. Artificial photosynthesis
climate areas available for production.
is at an embryonic stage, but Weizmann scientists
expect it to be a viable and thus extremely
Cyanobacteria are among the oldest
Dr. Dror Noy
important long-term solar energy solution.
photosynthetic organisms in nature. They
are relatively simple to cultivate, requiring only
Dr. Dror Noy and his lab team hope to devise
sunlight, water, CO2, and a few nutrients. His
processes that mimic natural photosynthesis—
group has already isolated a number of traits
whereby carbon dioxide and water combine
found in thermophilic (heat-loving) cyanobacteria
with sunlight to create energy—but will be
that enable photosynthetic microorganisms
more efficient in producing energy than natural
to grow in temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F)
photosynthesis, in which most energy is used
above their normal range. Prof. Scherz replaced
for growth, upkeep, and reproduction. Unlike
genes for two proteins in a photobacterium
biomass energy, artificial photosynthesis would
that grows well at moderate temperatures
not require arable land. For instance, it can be
Their cooperative action drives remarkably
with their counterparts from a thermophilic
done on roof tops or in the desert, eliminating the
difficult chemical reactions that enable plants
cyanobacterium. The genetically engineered
concern about competing with the food supply.
and algae to use light and water as their primary
bacteria grew well at temperatures as hot as
Prof. Avigdor Scherz
source of energy and electrons. In the process,
43°C, where the control strain would have died
Plants and evolutionarily older photosynthetic
light is captured very efficiently. Then, the ensuing
out under the same conditions. One of his goals
organisms such as cyanobacteria are a source
biochemical reactions can be adapted for using
is to create a cyanobacteria suitable for mass
of inspiration for designing artificial devices for
hydrogen atoms obtained through water splitting
production in arid/semi-arid regions near power
solar energy conversion and storage. Natural
to produce hydrogen gas (H2) which can be
plants (to capture CO2) with high sunlight and
photosynthesis features an elaborate system of
used directly as a fuel, or which can be used
elevated temperatures. He also is applying the
enzymes embedded in a specialized membrane.
to produce other types of hydrocarbon fuels.
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38
Clean Fuel Synthesis
A good high school chemistry class might include
difficult, the “power density” of hydrogen
a demonstration of the hydrolysis of water into
as a fuel is considerably less than any of the
its components of hydrogen and oxygen. If the
available fossil fuels. To rival propane, for
teacher has a flair for the dramatic, he or she
instance, the hydrogen must be pressurized,
might have held a match to the end of a test
costing more energy and causing a problem
tube where the hydrogen gas was collected
with safe storage and handling, especially
and impressed the students with the sharp
in collision-prone automobiles and trucks.
“pop” of the mini explosion to demonstrate
producing usable fuel on a commercial scale
A step towards
efficient water
splitting
from hydrolysis is still a dream for scientists.
A unique approach developed by Prof. David
the flammability of this potential clean fuel. But,
after decades of displaying this simple chemistry
with two electrodes and a beaker of water,
Milstein and colleagues in the Department of
There are two basic problems: the first is that it
Organic Chemistry provides an important step
takes energy—in the case of the lab experiment,
for overcoming this challenge. In 2009, the
an electric current to the electrodes—to produce
team demonstrated a sequence of reactions to
the burnable hydrogen. The second is more
liberate hydrogen and oxygen in consecutive
thermal- and light-driven steps, mediated by
The next stage of the process is the “heat stage.”
a unique ingredient—a special metal complex
When the water solution is heated to 100˚C,
that Prof. Milstein’s team designed in previous
hydrogen gas—a potential source for clean
studies. Their metal complex of the element
fuel—is released from the complex and another
ruthenium is a “smart” complex in which the
OH group is added to the metal center. But
metal center and the organic part attached
the most unique part is the third “light stage.”
to it cooperate in the cleavage of the water
When the third complex was exposed to light
molecule. The team found that upon mixing
at room temperature, not only was oxygen gas
this complex with water, the bonds between
produced, but the metal complex also reverted
the hydrogen and oxygen atoms break, with
back to its original state, which could be recycled
one hydrogen atom ending up binding to its
for use in further reactions. This overcame
organic part, while the remaining hydrogen
one of major bottlenecks for splitting water.
and oxygen atoms (OH group) bind to its metal
center. Their results were published in the journal
Additional experiments have indicated that during
Science. Prof. Milstein was awarded the Israel
the third stage, light provides the energy required
Prize in Chemistry in 2012 for his pioneering
to cause the two OH groups to get together to
work in catalysis and “green” chemistry.
form hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which quickly
Prof. David Milstein
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breaks up into oxygen and water. “Because
An example is zinc oxide, which reacts with
Turning carbon dioxide into clean fuels
can be burned directly in turbines or generators,
hydrogen peroxide is considered a relatively
carbon when heated to temperatures of 1,200-
The significant increase in the amount of
or converted on-site into liquid fuel. Although
unstable molecule, scientists have always
1,300 degrees C. The gaseous zinc is released,
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has spurred
it’s toxic in high concentrations, CO has been
disregarded this step, deeming it implausible;
then condensed and stored; when reacted
intensive efforts to use sunlight to turn CO2 into
used for over a hundred years as an intermediate
but we have shown otherwise,” says Prof.
with water, it yields zinc oxide and hydrogen.
higher-energy products in order to store solar
chemical product; tens of millions of tons are
energy as chemical energy for renewable fuels.
synthesized each year from coal or wood in one
Milstein. Moreover, the team has provided
evidence showing that the bond between the
Dr. Michael Epstein, director of the Solar Research
two oxygen atoms is generated within a single
Facility Unit at the Weizmann Institute, compared
Prof. Igor Lubomirsky of the Department of
molecule—not between oxygen atoms residing
thermodynamic analysis and experimental
Materials and Interfaces has demonstrated a
The CO is generated from CO2 in a relatively
on separate molecules, as commonly believed
results obtained for different reactants such
novel alternative for converting solar energy into
straightforward chemical process using a setup
—and it comes from a single metal center.
as boron, zinc, tin and cadmium looking for
fuel. His method is comparatively inexpensive,
that’s something like a large, hot battery.
the hallmarks of the most efficient processes.
produces no environmentally hazardous waste,
Inside a special cell, a chemical compound
So far, Prof. Milstein’s team has demonstrated a
and is very efficient. The new method produces
is heated to around 900°C and an electric
mechanism for the formation of hydrogen and
carbon monoxide (CO)—a non-corrosive gas that
current is passed through the compound.
oxygen from water, without the need for sacrificial
chemical agents, through individual steps, using
heat and light. They are now working to combine
these stages to create an efficient catalytic system.
Solar-driven
hydrolysis
Solar energy can combine with a metal catalyst
to split water. These cycles usually consist of
two steps: metal hydrolysis followed by solar
reduction or thermal decomposition of the metal
oxide. Weizmann scientists have experimented
with a number of such catalysts, most notably
zinc oxide (ZnO). Concentrated sunlight can be
used to extract metals from their oxides, which
can then react with water, releasing hydrogen.
of the most developed of industrial processes.
Prof. Jacob Karni
Prof. Igor Lubomirsky
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When CO2 is continuously fed into the cell,
when carbon dioxide is catalytically reacted
burning as a fuel) and oxygen (photoreduction).
the result is pure CO and oxygen. Ideally, the
with methane (CH4). The product can be
However, like most similar approaches, their
CO2 would come from the smokestack of a
stored and transported to a user site where
catalyst used amines (chemicals that are produced
power plant or other carbon dioxide source, so
the reaction is reversed, generating enough
from ammonia) to help the reaction. Other
the greenhouse gases would be removed and
heat—about 600°C—to power an engine. The
approaches required ultraviolet (UV) light.
recycled before they reach the atmosphere. The
methane and carbon dioxide regenerated in this
Therefore, they set their sights on replacing
metal used in the process is titanium, which is
stage can be returned to the solar reforming
the amines with a more renewable resource,
many times cheaper and more available than
plant; or, the syngas can be used for fuel
and using visible light as the energy source.
such precious metals as platinum that are often
enrichment since the syngas has about 30
used in similar devices. Other advantages of the
percent higher heating value than methane.
method include a thermodynamic efficiency
First, they were able to demonstrate using
water instead of amines. They prepared a
of over 85 percent (not counting the energy
Prof. Jacob Karni in the Department of
new hybrid compound that works with a
needed to heat the system), which is almost
Environmental Sciences and Energy Research
photoactive polyoxometalate. However, this
unheard of in the world of energy conversion,
recently tested a new solar volumetric reactor
new compound required UV light for the
and the ease of transporting and burning CO.
for reforming of CH4 and CO2 at the solar tower.
reaction (called reduction in chemical lingo)
The reactor design was based on extensive
of CO2 to CO. Finally, Prof. Neumann’s group
In a recent study he was able to show, both
previous experimental work with a volumetric
was able to demonstrate using hydrogen
theoretically and experimentally, a range of
receiver for heating air, and used a newly
and visible light to reduce CO2 to CO and
temperatures and concentrations of Li2O
developed ruthenium catalyst. His results
H2O by using a new hybrid complex that he
in the Li2CO3 melt that are in equilibrium
indicate that this type of volumetric reactor
synthesized. They feel that using renewable
with atmospheric CO2 and are therefore
can be used effectively for CO2 reforming of
hydrogen represents a significant advance
capable of absorbing CO 2 from air.
CH4, and further work aimed at improving the
that may also prove useful in the myriad of
total efficiency of the system is in progress.
other photo-reduction reactions that presently
Synthetic gas from
CO2 and methane
to carbon monoxide (CO)
Recognizing the potential of solar reforming of
In 2010, Prof. Ronny Neumann and his group in
methane as a means for storing and transporting
the Department of Organic Chemistry reported
solar energy, scientists have studied it since
the first example using light and an inorganic,
the 1980s. Concentrated solar energy can
photo-stable, easily synthesized catalyst to
produce “syngas,” consisting of CO and H2,
separate CO2 into carbon monoxide (suitable for
use amines as sacrificial reducing agents.
Photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2)
Prof. Ronny Neumann
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44
The Promise of
Super-Hot Plasmas
Controlled nuclear fusion has the potential
scientific community investigating hot and
to provide the world with clean and plentiful
dense plasmas in an effort to progress towards
electricity. Fusion produces substantially less
their efficient production. Prof. Maron received
radioactive waste than nuclear fission and
the 2009 American Physical Society Plasma
has no harmful byproducts like the carbon
Physics prize for his work. The group develops
dioxide waste associated with fossil fuels.
methods to measure the plasma properties and
Moreover, the fuel required for fusion (hydrogen
to investigate what processes take place in this
isotopes) is abundant in seawater. There’s just
super-hot, highly charged matter —which are
one catch: under the conditions available
difficult to measure and analyze—in hopes
today, the energy required for creating the
that the understanding can be used to reach
super-hot plasma needed to generate nuclear
the conditions for viable fusion-based energy
fusion is greater than the energy produced.
production. One of the most challenging
While the production of fusion can only be
diagnostics to capture is the magnetic field
examined on very large scale facilities, the
distribution in the plasma. Magnetic fields
fundamental physics issues can be studied much
have a central role in fusion research. They
more efficiently in university-scale machines.
are used for compressing and heating up
the plasma, and serve as a vessel to contain
Prof. Yizhak Maron of the Institute’s Department
the hot plasma (no material can contain hot
of Particle Physics and Astrophysics, and the
plasma; the plasma would either damage the
Plasma Laboratory Group is part of the global
material or the material would cool the plasma).
The traditional method for magnetic field
This new magnetic-field diagnostic method
diagnostics is based on changes in the radiation
is expected to lead to a significant advance
emitted from the plasma due to the presence
in hot-plasma studies, and has drawn much
of magnetic fields. But what’s tricky about
interest in the plasma research community,
this method is that it’s hard to tell, under
leading to collaborations with Cornell
the extreme high-energy-density conditions,
University in New York, the United States Naval
whether changes in the emitted radiation
Research Laboratory, in Washington, DC, and
are the result of the magnetic field or other
Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico.
phenomena. A novel approach, recently
developed by Prof. Maron’s group, allows
for discriminating the effects of magnetic
fields on the radiation from all other factors.
Prof. Yizhak Maron
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46
the waste produced by light-water reactors. So
it’s not hanging around the Earth for that long.
Sounds perfect, so what’s the catch? Very
strong sources of fast neutrons are needed
for thorium conversion on an industrial scale.
Prof. Michael Hass of the Dept. of Particle
Physics and Astrophysics is investigating the
A Safer, More Plentiful
Nuclear Energy Source
Enormous advances in waste reprocessing
238
and reactor safety have made nuclear
could find a practical way to use thorium
energy a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
as nuclear fuel, it could provide a plentiful
However, nuclear power is also one of the
source to run reactors for hundreds of years.
U also fits into this category. If scientists
There are many other advantages to using
thorium as a nuclear fuel source as opposed to
Conventional nuclear reactors are based on
235
fission—a process in which the nucleus of the
radioactive, is about 1,000 times less radioactive
atom is split into smaller particles—of
U
than uranium. It is easy to transport safely with
(a type of uranium isotope which comprises
minimal shielding required, and it is safer to mine.
one percent of natural uranium) and
235
239
a state-of-the-art accelerator at Israel’s SOREQ
Research Center as a source of neutrons.
The machinery is the newly-constructed 40
MeV, superconducting SARAF (Soreq Applied
Research Accelerator Facility) accelerator. Prof.
Hass then aims to launch an experimental
program for measuring transmutation and
thorium conversion yields at the shared facility.
Prof. Michael Hass
most controversial alternative energies due
to safety issues and the toxic waste it creates.
options and laying the groundwork for using
U. For starters, it’s safer: Thorium, although
Pu
(plutonium) isotopes. But there’s another
It also is dramatically cleaner. Compared to
option that scientists are exploring: thorium,
conventional light-water reactors which utilize
which, among other benefits, is much more
235
abundant than uranium. But thorium (232Th) is
0.1 percent of the amount that uranium does.
a much more difficult to use in a sustainable
And the waste that is produced has a half-life
chain reaction of nuclear fission. The isotope
of only 30 years, compared to 10,000 years for
U, thorium reactors produce very little waste—
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featured keynote lectures by leading experts
Green Campus
from both academia and industry, with the main
Today’s kids learn in school that caring for the
emphasis on students presenting their own work.
environment begins at home. Dr. Ron Milo
of the Department of Plant Sciences would
Teaching Tomorrow’s
Energy Scientists
and the Public
Education of the next generation of
sponsors one such conference, every 1-2 years.
alternative energy scientists goes hand-in-
For alternative energy in particular, the value of
hand with the Weizmann Institute research
such conferences is tremendous, because they
program. Energy education ranges from
allow students the opportunity to “connect the
graduate studies to textbook development
dots” between what they are studying in the
to improving high school science curricula
lab and potential real-world applications. These
focused on energy and the environment.
conferences are national ones, i.e., students from
all Israeli universities are invited and participate.
At the Weizmann Institute, MSc and PhD
students conduct research in labs alongside
The first conference of this type, on solar energy
Weizmann Institute scientists doing work on
as an alternative energy source, was held in
energy and the environment. Like all other
2010 in Zichron Ya’acov. In 2011 the Biology
graduate students on campus, the bulk of
for Renewable Energy Workshop (BREW) was
their training occurs in the lab. In addition,
held in Ramot overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
student-led conferences give budding scientists
Both provided an informal forum for students,
the opportunity to present their work and hear
scientists, and postdocs to share information
about developments in the field both from
and discuss the latest developments U.S. and
seasoned scientists and experts in industry. AERI
current challenges in the field. Their programs
The education agenda reaches well outside
agree–and so he started with his Weizmann
the campus walls. For instance, Prof. David
home. He and his colleagues initiated a “green
Cahen, head of the Alternative Sustainable
campus” project that encourages all scientists
Energy Research Initiative, recently published a
and staff to use resources efficiently by saving
major university-level textbook on energy and
on water and electricity, recycling, and biking
sustainability with co-author Dr. David Ginley
and walking when possible. The project’s website
of the (U.S.) National Renewable Energy Lab,
www.weizmann.ac.il/green has a carpooling
“Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and
database and other resources. “Saving water
Environmental Sustainability” (Cambridge
and electricity and recycling are all things I do
University Press, 2012). It covers the full range of
in my daily life with my family,” says Dr. Milo.
subjects with which a new researcher entering
“Now, I have the chance to try to influence the
the field should be familiar, including recent
habits of 3,000 people and convince them to
advances in clean and sustainable energy.
be environmentally aware and responsible.”
50
storable, and transportable energy source.
adjusting and coordinating the power needs of
Long-term research on this potential solution
each individual device or millions of devices from
will combine Weizmann Institute strengths in
a central location. Benefits include significant
chemistry, physics, biology and other fields
improvements in energy efficiency, enhanced
that can be brought to bear on the challenge.
cyber-security, and the integration of different
sources of electricity (wind, solar). Because of
the readily available expertise in mathematics
Smart grids
Improving sustainability also means maximizing
and computer sciences, networks and complex
systems, the Weizmann Institute has the
potential to become a hub of activity in this area.
What the Future Holds
the efficiency and reliability of the energy
At the Weizmann Institute, sustainability,
mechanism to convert solar energy, and, more
resources on one network. Much in the way
Solar paint
eco-efficiency, and basic multidisciplinary
importantly, store it? Artificial photosynthesis is
that today’s “smart” phone means a phone
Scientists have been dreaming about the possibility
research are guiding the development of the
currently at an embryonic stage, and Weizmann
with a computer in it, a “smart” grid means
of developing a soup of the components needed
next generation of materials, processes, and
Institute scientists are taking exploratory steps
computerizing the electric utility grid. The
for a solar cell that will be almost like paint and
products. Weizmann scientists highlight five
in advancing the science. For them it is clear
grid includes wires, substations, transformers,
can thus be applied as such on any suitable
feasible research directions in which they
that artificial photosynthesis has the potential to
switches and much more. Field devices on it
surface. If this vision can be reduced to reality,
plan to invest efforts, all of which involve
become a viable long-term source for chemical
can be given sensors to gather data (power
it presents the future possibility of turning a
novel concepts and ideas for creating smarter,
energy (fuel) that will not compete with, but
meters, voltage sensors, fault detectors), and are
wall into a low-cost solar cell, or of creating
cleaner ways to generate and store energy:
rather complement, food. They aim in the long
integrated in a two-way digital communication
ultra-thin, multi-layer solar cells cheaper and
run to devise a process inspired by natural
with the utility’s network operations center. The
easier than is possible with today’s technology.
photosynthesis and photovoltaics, in which
use of automation technology would enable
Artificial
photosynthesis
carbon dioxide and water combine with sunlight
For millions of years, plants and other
gases. In contrast to other renewable energy
photosynthetic organisms have been using light
sources (apart from biofuels), which generate
to create energy for all their metabolic needs.
no fuel product, artificial photosynthesis’s end
Can science really improve on this age-perfected
product will be a highly concentrated, easily
to create a sustainable and carbon-neutral
fuel without the production of greenhouse
conversion through a comprehensive
management system of all available energy
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The main idea behind solar paint is to
While each component retains its identity, the
couple different types of nanoparticles–one
composite material, which typically includes tough
semiconductor and the other metal, using
natural or synthetic fibers in a softer supporting
Self-cleaning and
adaptive materials
appropriately designed organic linking molecules.
matrix, displays macroscopic properties absent
Dust and dirt are the major enemies of high-
These molecules will provide the self-assembly
from its parent constituents, particularly in
performance solar cells collectors. Weizmann
capabilities, creating inter-penetrating, self-
terms of mechanical properties and economic
scientists envision that the solar panels of the
connecting networks. The coupling must be
value. Composite materials with new electrical
future may be self-cleaning. And the windows
done in such a way that each type will bind to
and magnetic properties are known as well.
of future energy-efficient buildings may be
only one of the two electrical contacts, and to
self-cleaning as well as self-tinting, to control
one or two of the particle assemblies. Much of
Advanced composite materials are playing a vital
light and heat gain. Many materials—fibers,
the groundwork for this idea has been done
role in improved design and reduced operating
polymers, synthetics and textiles—can have
here already. Weizmann Institute scientists have
costs for renewable energy technologies. For
improved performance with the ability to repel
shown ways to create one-molecule-thick films
example, the combination of very strong fibers
contaminants. The addition of nano-sized or
of mono-materials. They have pioneered creating
surrounded by a lightweight plastic matrix
micro-sized particles can create a surface that
new nano materials such as inorganic fullerenes
enables a greater strength-to-weight ratio than
inhibits the adherence of contaminants such as
and quantum dots, and have extensive projects
is possible with conventional metallic materials,
dust. Another option is to use light to create
underway building molecular-scale electronics.
providing tidal and wind turbines with fatigue-
a chemical reaction on a treated surface that
resistant building blocks. Composites could also
will repel dirt. Weizmann scientists are already
be designed to minimize energy losses in storage
experimenting with self-cleaning, self-healing
devices. However, predicting the properties of
materials in a number of contexts. Applying these
composite materials is a major challenge today
ideas to solar panels and building materials may
Composite materials are a class of materials that
for which chemistry- and physics-based tools
boost their efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
combine two or more separate components to
must be developed. The Weizmann Institute’s
form a new product whose properties are well
interdisciplinary approach has already created
beyond the sum of its parts. Today the most
new generations of materials from polymers to
common use of composites is for structural
nanoparticles, and is poised to produce even more.
Composite materials
applications (e.g., the Boeing 787 Dreamliner).
53
54
1990
Scientists experiment with solar-
Self-healing of 2nd generation
solar cell demonstrated
powered lasers
Weizmann Milestones
in Energy
1992
Unique mechanism of nanoparticle
solar cells elucidated
1993
Color codes:
Solar and PV
1975
Weizmann scientists develop
improved “optically selective
Plants& biomass
1980
Pioneering work in photochemical
and photoelectrochemical energy
conversion
Weizmann scientists pioneer
isolating photosynthesizing
components from blue-green
algae and cyanobacteria
1976
First-ever solar battery developed
that can both produce and
store electricity generated by
sunlight
1977
Synthetic fuels
1994
Experiments with salt-tolerant
carotene
Consolar develops beam-down
optics at solar tower
Demonstrate catalyst for cracking
carbon-carbon bonds for industrial
Principles of operation of dye
solar cells unraveled
Solar thermal splitting of
methane and solar reforming
Discovered mechanisms for
chemical bath deposition of
of hydrocarbons for fuel tested
semiconductors and quantum
dots used in dye sensitized solar
cells
Direct solar thermal splitting of
water demonstrated
1995
Develop first “porcupine” solar
high temperature receiver
1983
Demonstrate commercial potential
1996
Progress in monolayers
from organic molecules
for molecular-scale
Scientists use light for “coherent
electronics, nanolithography,
optoelectronics, and biosensors
for Dunaliella algae
1984
1985
1987
1989
control” of chemical reactions
Pioneered field of nanoparticles
for solar energy conversion
Solar tower used to convert biomass
to fuel, experiments in solar-driven
hydrogen production
Invent high efficiency solar
battery
Consolar Ltd. consortium between
academia and industry formed to
promote research in concentrated
solar energy in Israel
Solar tower and labs of Canadian
Institute for Energies & Applied
Research (CIEAR) dedicated
First-ever quantum dot films made
and used as solar cells
of carbon dioxide
other uses
2000
Fundraising begins for solar
tower
First demonstration of sunlight-
Scientists develop photochromic
materials for lenses, films and
zinc oxide for fuel cells
1982
driven electrochemical reduction
1979
Solar chemistry refines zinc from
chemistry
Dunaliella algae as a source
of metabolites such as beta
surfaces” for solar collectors.
Weizmann scientist develops
nano-lubricant
Zinc-bromine battery made with
thin-films
1998
Weizmann scientists use catalysts
in “monolayers”
1999
Consolar helps Institute build
first solar gas combined cycle
turbines
2001
Weizmann scientists show how to
stabilize 2nd generation cadmium
telluride solar cells (commercialized
in collaboration with First Solar)
2002
Consolar power plant’s proof-ofconcept testing completed
2003
Experiments in biomass
gasification
Demonstrate cheaper, highperformance 2nd generation
polycrystalline solar cells
55
2004
2005
2009
Scientists demonstrate new catalyst
Demonstrate solar fixing of
nitrogen. Improved high temp.
solar receivers.
for light-driven hydrolysis of water
to hydrogen
Weizmann scientists demonstrate
(then) state-of art nanoporous
solar cells
2006
2010
Donors and scientists launch
2011
sensitized nanoporous solar cells
defined.
research field that is poised to positively affect
Demonstrate molten carbonate
have joined us on this extraordinary journey
the daily lives of people and societies worldwide.
to reduce CO2 to CO for use in
clean fuels
of discovery for the benefit of all mankind.
AERI Biofuels Consortium
formed, progress in artificial
2012
Thanks to our Friends who Support
Energy Research in Israel
Demonstrate simple models for
algae and photosynthetic bacteria
for fuel production in marginal
conditions
exploring algae for fuels
Mechanistic differences between
dye cells and semiconductor-
contributed to alternative energy research and
Identify heat-tolerant stains of
Begin new biomass project
cellulose
and has become a world leader in this critical
artificial photosynthesis
Institute scientists demonstrate
first “molecular keypad” lock
Create the world’s first “designer
cellulosomes” for degrading
many generous donors worldwide who have
Second-generation designer
cellulosomes produced
year”
2008
is advancing groundbreaking investigations
New designs for high-voltage,
nanoporous solar cells
Demonstrate boron and water fuel
cell for producing hydrogen
Science magazine recognizes
Weizmann “green chemistry”
method “breakthrough of the
acknowledges the invaluable assistance of our
photosynthesis
Alternative sustainable Energy
Research Initiative (AERI)
2007
It is thanks to this support that the Institute
material
built in Nanjing, China, with
Weizmann help
In Appreciation
The Weizmann Institute of Science gratefully
Sb 2 S 3 shown as a novel PV
Commercial-scale solar tower
56
Weizmann scientists demonstrate
spectral splitting to use more of
the sunlight for solar cells
Major Benefactors
Mary and Tom Beck-Canadian Center for
Alternative Energy Research
Andrea and Charles Bronfman
Demonstrate techniques
Philanthropies
to increase production of
metabolites in plants
The Monroe and Marjorie Burk Fund for
Alternative Energy Studies
170 kW solar thermal
combined cycle energy plant
testing in Almeira, Spain
Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Foundation
Research basic limits to solar
cells
Angel Faivovich Foundation for Ecological
Endowment Fund
Research
The Heineman Foundation
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley
Charitable Trust
Yossie and Dana Hollander
Roberto and Renata Ruhman
Rowland & Sylvia Schaefer Family
Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Scholl Foundation Center for Water and
Climate Research
57
The Bernard and Bernice Dorothy Segall
Scholarship Fund
Sussman Family Center for the Study of
Environmental Sciences
The Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
58
Gina (Eugenie) Fromer
Michael Levine
Brian Steck
Lisa Garoon
Meyer Levy Fund for Alternative
Helen Steinberg
llan Gluzman
P. & A. Guggenheim-Ascarelli Foundation
Estate of Joe Gurwin
Estate of Bronia Hacker
Supporters
Jack N. Halpern
Energy Studies
Cecil & Hilda Lewis Charitable
Trust
Robert Lewis
Eric Manville Trust
W.A. Minkoff
Larry and Mucci Taylor
Dale and Dennis Weiss Fund for Alternative
Energy
Fredda Weiss
Estate of Martin J. Weiss
The Charles and David Wolfson Charitable
Robert Aliber Charitable Trust
Jake and Dorothy Hendeles
Marcelo Astrachan
Intel
Solomon and Rebecca Baker Foundation
Annette Isaacson
The Bendit Foundation Scholarship
Estate of Sanford Kaplan
Estate of Wilhelm and Ruth Berler
Estate of Ilse Katz
Foundation
George Brady
Estate of Golda Kaufman
Barrie Rose
The Brita Fund for Scholarships Research
James and Elaine Kay
Estate of Abraham Rosenberg
Estate of Morris Kerzner
David Rosenberg
Chair (incumbent Prof. Avihai Danon)
Jack and Elisa Klein Foundation
Charles Rothschild
The Bronfman Professorial Chair of Plant
Estate of Lily Klein
Prof. Albert B. and Heloisa Sabin
The Koret Foundation
Martin Kushner Schnur
The Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman
Gerald Schwartz
Levy)
Daniel S. Shapiro
The Charles and Louise Gartner Professorial
And Education
Carolito Stiftung
Samy Cohn
Estate of Magda Collins
Eduardo A. De Carvalho
David L. Dennis, Q.C.
Foundation
Feldman Foundation
Andrew and Beverly Lengyel
Mario Fleck
Estate of Nathan Minzly
Trust
Nikken Sohonsha Corp.
Robert Zaitlin
Estate of Leo Perkell
Arnold (Israel) Ziff
Abraham and Sonia Rochlin
Sharon Zuckerman
Isabel H. Silverman Foundation
Professorial Chairs
The Henry and Bertha Benson Professorial
Science (incumbent Prof. Gad Galili)
The Gilbert de Botton Professorial Chair of
Plant Sciences (incumbent Prof. Avraham
Chair (incumbent Prof. Uri Pick)
59
60
The Peter and Carola Kleeman Professorial
Professorial Chair of Bio-Organic Chemistry
Chair of Optical Sciences (incumbent Prof.
(incumbent Prof. Ed Bayer)
Nir Davidson)
The Murray B. Koffler Professorial Chair
(incumbent Prof. Michael Hass)
The Israel Matz Professorial Chair of Organic
Chemistry (incumbent Prof. David Milstein)
Career Development Chairs
The Anna and Maurice Boukstein Career
Development Chair in Perpetuity (incumbent
Dr. Ron Milo)
The Edith and Nathan Goldenberg Career
The Stephen and Mary Meadow Professorial
Development Chair (incumbent Dr. Assaf
Chair of Laser Photochemistry (incumbent
Vardi)
Prof. Yitzhak Maron)
The Recanati Career Development Chair of
The Jacques Mimran Professorial Chair
Energy Research in Perpetuity (incumbent
(incumbent Prof. Yuval Eshed)
Dr. Dan Oron)
The Bruce A. Pearlman Professorial Chair
in Synthetic Organic Chemistry (incumbent
Prof. Milko van der Boom)
Faculty-Specific Funding
Prof. Nir Davidson
The Rebecca and Israel Sieff Professorial
Chair of Organic Chemistry (incumbent
Prof. Ronny Neumann)
The Robert and Yadelle Sklare Professorial
Chair in Biochemistry (incumbent Prof.
Avigdor Scherz)
The Maynard I.and Elaine Wishner
Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for
Nanoscale Science
The Mary and Tom Beck Canadian Center
for Alternative Energy Research which he
heads The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley
Dr. Dan Oron
Charitable Trust
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
The Gerhardt M.J. Schmidt Minerva Center
Yossie and Dana Hollander
European Research Council
Prof. Milko Van Der Boom
‫‏‬Martin Kushner Schnur,
Mary and Tom Beck-Canadian Center for
on Supramolecular Architectures which he
heads
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
The Charles and David Wolfson Charitable
Trust
Adolfo Eric Labi
Alternative Energy Research
David Rosenberg
Irving and Varda Rabin Foundation of the
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
Aboud and Amy Dweck
Prof. Gary Hodes
Prof. Michael Bendikov
Yossie and Dana Hollander
Yossie and Dana Hollander
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
Prof. Gad Galili
Gerhardt Schmidt Minerva Center on
Carolito Stiftung
Lerner Family Plant Science Research
Professorial Chair in Energy Research
Chair (incumbent Prof. Naama Barkai)
European Research Council
Alternative Energy Studies
Estate of Theodore E. Rifkin
Mary and Tom Beck-Canadian Center for
The Lorna Greenberg Scherzer Professorial
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
The Monroe and Marjorie Burk Fund for
Alternative Energy Research
The Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer
(incumbent Prof. David Cahen)
Prof. Leeor Kronik
Supramolecular Architectures
Nancy and Stephen Grand Center for
Sensors and Security
Prof. David Cahen
Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Foundation
Endowment Fund
Jewish Community Foundation
Nancy and Stephen Grand Center for
Sensors and Security
Endowment Fund
61
Prof. Avraham Levy
Prof. David Milstein
Dr. Assaf Vardi
Prof. Jacob Karni
The Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman
Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for
Charles Rothschild
Israel Strategic Alternative Energy
Foundation
Molecular Design which he heads
Yossie and Dana Hollander
Bernice and Peter Cohn Catalysis Research
European Research Council
Prof. Levy heads the Melvyn A. Dobrin
Center for Nutrition and Plant Research,
Fund
European Research Council
and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Plant
Molecular Genetics Research
European Research Council
Yossie and Dana Hollander
Prof. Igor Lubomirsky
Adolfo Eric Labi
Prof. Naama Barkai
Dr. Dror Noy
Foundation
Luis Stuhlberger
Armando and Maria Jinich
the Charles W. & Tillie K. Lubin Center
for Plant Biotechnology and the Harry
Roberto and Renata Ruhman
Helen and Martin Kimmel Award for
Innovative Investigation
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
Nancy and Stephen Grand Center for
Sensors and Security
Jeanne and Joseph Nissim Foundation for
Life Sciences Research
Prof. Yitzhak Maron
Dr. Ron Milo
Prof. Uri Pick
Lorna Greenberg Scherze
Sandia National Laboratories
Lerner Family Plant Science Research
Jack N. Halpern
Estate of John Hunter
Irving and Dorothy Rom Charitable Trust
European Research Council
Carolito Stiftung
Endowment Fund
European Research Council
Yossie and Dana Hollander
The Larson Charitable Foundation
Wolfson Family Charitable Trust
Estate of David Arthur Barton
Anthony Stalbow Charitable Trust
Stella Gelerman
Prof. Avigdor Scherz
The Estate of Hilda Jacoby-Schaerf
Prof. Ronny Neumann
Wade F.B. Thompson Charitable Foundation
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Prof. Michael Hass
Yossie and Dana Hollander
Yossie and Dana Hollander
Carolito Stiftung
Bernice and Peter Cohn Catalysis
Sharon Zuckerman
Estate of David Turner
Research Fund
Estate of Nathan Baltor
Mary and Tom Beck-Canadian Center for
Alternative Energy Research
A publication of the
Department of Resource Development
The Weizmann Institute of Science
P.O.Box 26, Rehovot, Israel 76100
Tel: 972 8 934 4582
e-mail:[email protected]
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