Scientists have developed floating ‘artificial leaves’ that generate clean fuels from sunlight and water. They could eventually operate on a large scale at sea. The ultra-thin, flexible devices, which take their inspiration from photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert sunlight into f
A floating artificial leaf – which generates clean fuel from sunlight and water – on the River Cam near King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, UK. Credit: Virgil Andrei
Researchers from the University of Cambridge designed ultra-thin, flexible devices, which take their inspiration from photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. Since the low-cost, autonomous devices are light enough to float, they could be used to generate a sustainable alternative to gasoline without taking up space on land. Credit: Virgil Andrei
For several years, Professor Erwin Reisner’s research group in Cambridge has been working to address this problem by developing sustainable solutions to gasoline that are based on the principles of photosynthesis. In 2019, they developed an, which makes syngas from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Syngas is a key intermediate in the production of many chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
“We wanted to see how far we can trim down the materials these devices use, while not affecting their performance,” said Reisner, who led the research. “If we can trim the materials down far enough that they’re light enough to float, then it opens up whole new ways that these artificial leaves could be used.”
The challenge for the Cambridge research team was how to deposit light absorbers onto lightweight substrates and protect them against water infiltration. To overcome these challenges, the researchers used thin-film metal oxides, and materials known as perovskites, which can be coated onto flexible plastic and metal foils. The devices were covered with micrometer-thin, water-repellent carbon-based layers that prevented moisture degradation.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Floating artificial leaf converts energy from sunlight into fuelA solar fuel cell that produces carbon monoxide and hydrogen is light enough to float on water, which could help address the shortage of land available for solar projects
Baca lebih lajut »
This TikTok-Viral Brand Has a Volumizing Mascara That’s So Good, Shoppers’ Husbands Are Actually Noticing a DifferenceLeave it to Saie to come up with a clean formula that's this good.
Baca lebih lajut »
‘Right material’ to efficiently remove mercury from water shows promising resultsResearchers at Drexel University have found the right material to efficiently catch mercury —even at low levels— and clean up contaminated bodies of water.
Baca lebih lajut »
Fuel-Eating Bacteria from Your Gas Cap May Help Clean Oil SpillsBiologists in Spain have discovered a new species of fuel-hungry organism on a Toyota Yaris, so naturally we had questions for them.
Baca lebih lajut »
Residents from River Oaks condominium unsure when they'll be able to return amid structural concernsCrews have been working to clean up the mess a flooding left at The Royalton at River Oaks, as well as evaluate the building for major structural problems.
Baca lebih lajut »
Kraft Heinz recalls contaminated Wild Cherry flavored Capri Sun pouchesThe company says diluted cleaning solution used to clean food processing equipment in its factories got into the Capri Sun pouches.
Baca lebih lajut »