Hailed as a scientific breakthrough, scientists at MIT say they have developed the first artificial “leaf” that could revolutionize solar energy production and positively impact lives in the developing world.

 

The advanced solar cell, no bigger than a playing card, can mimic photosynthesis, in which plants convert sunlight and water into energy. Consisting of silicon, electronics and catalysts, the cell can split molecules into hydrogen and oxygen when placed into a container of water. The hydrogen and oxygen gases can then be stored in a fuel cell that produces electricity—enough to power a home in a developing country for a day.

 

“A practical artificial leaf has been one of the Holy Grails of science for decades,” Daniel Nocera, leader of the MIT research team, announced. “We believe we have done it. The artificial leaf shows particular promise as an inexpensive source of electricity for homes of the poor in developing countries. Our goal is to make each home its own power station. One can envision villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology.”

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Debut of the First Practical 'Artificial Leaf' (American Chemical Society)

MIT Lab Creates the World's First Feasible 'Artificial Leaf' (by Clay Dillow, Popular Science)