Artificial leaf converts sunlight, water into energy
29 Mar 2011
Scientists claim to have created the world's first practical artificial leaf with the ability to turn sunlight and water into energy.
They say the development would pave the way for a cheaper source of power in developing countries like India.
According to the team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the artificial leaf made from silicon, electronics and various catalysts which spur chemical reactions within the device, can use sunlight to break water into hydrogen and oxygen which can then be used to create electricity in a separate fuel cell.
According to Daniel Nocera, who led the team, a practical artificial leaf had been one of the Holy Grails of science for decades. He added the team believed they had done it.
He said when placed in a gallon of water and left in the sun, the artificial leaves could provide a home in the developing world with basic electricity for a day.
He added the team's goal was to make each home its own power station. He said one could envision villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic power system based on the technology.