Chemical engineers at the University of Michigan are working to exploit the sun's energy to accelerate the production of chemicals, including hydrogen.  By utilizing silver nano-particles  to create nano-antennas, they have concentrated sunlight and enhanced the generation of hydrogen fuel from water using solar energy.    In related work they have developed technology where a signification fraction of the thermal energy input needed to drive chemical reactions can be provided by solar energy.  The university is now seeking commercialization partners to bring this technology to market.  "Our recent work shows that by using nano-particles with tailored optical properties, we can efficiently concentrate light and convert its energy into chemical energy at higher rates," said Chemical Engineering Professor Suljo Linic.