Scientists have Developed an Artificial Leaf that Produces Hydrogen

14 January 2010 | Green Technology | 2 Comments

It seems that nature continues to be a model for researchers who daily try to imitate natural systems for the development of new technologies. One of the most controversial natural processes is photosynthesis because the ability to harness and utilize sun’s energy can help develop amazing technologies. An example is the artificial leaf from the image and as the researchers say, it is able to separate water in oxygen and hydrogen, and generate hydrogen.

Untin now we have discussed about other devices that try to generate hydrogen in a similar way, but this time researchers have copied the entire structure of the leaf hoping for a higher efficiency than other methods based on molecules modification. Researchers said that with this technology they could create even hydrogen production factories. They also made some experiments in which leaves were treated with dilute hydrochloric acid and magnesium atoms were replaced. Then, all that remained was burned at a temperature of 500 °C and ultimately the researchers were able to retain a crystallised titanium dioxide framework and many of the leaves’ natural structures. Then researchers have found that leaves posses lens like cells on the surface, capable of capturing light from any angle.

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2 Comments

  1. John W said on 8 Jun 2010 at 12:29 pm:

    I came across this post, Artificial Leaf that Produces Hydrogen | Hydrogen while I was searching for hydrogen solar energy and thought it was interesting and a little unique.

  2. John W said on 9 Jun 2010 at 12:25 am:

    RE: Artificial Leaf that Produces Hydrogen | Hydrogen. I came across this post while searching for hydrogen solar energy and found it to be compelling. Something to think about.

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