Moore Foundation grantees at Caltech have developed an artificial leaf which mimics photosynthesis in order to create fuels. Research carried out at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis produced a system that consists of two electrodes and a membrane which work together to oxidize water molecules to generate protons and electrons and oxygen gas. The protons and electrons are then recombined to create hydrogen gas. The hydrogen fuel is then collected.
Professor Nate Lewis explains: “‘Our work shows that it is indeed possible to produce fuels from sunlight safely and efficiently in an integrated system with inexpensive components," Lewis adds, "Of course, we still have work to do to extend the lifetime of the system and to develop methods for cost-effectively manufacturing full systems, both of which are in progress.'"
Read the press release here.
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