The Artificial Leaf

Sunday, 09 October 2011 05:18

Written by Julius

The "artificial leaf" was made by researchers from MIT, led by professor Daniel Nocera, using a silicon solar cell with new catalyst materials bonded to its two sides. In the video below this artificial solar leaf is shown in a glass container full of water with applied light (simulating sunlight). Because of the light a flow of electricity is generated and this in turn causes the water molecules(with the help of the catalysts) to split into hydrogen and oxygen. The molecules then bubble up from the two surfaces.

The artificial solar leaf came to life right after a major breakthrough was announced this summer by researchers from MIT.

According to a paper published in the Sept. 30 issue of the journal Science, Nocera and his colleagues have successfully used the device to turn sunlight directly into a chemical fuel that can be stored and used later as an energy source.