Artificial Leaf
When chemistry professor Daniel Nocera at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed that a device the size of a poker card could split water into hydrogen and oxygen, he was merely taking a leaf out of Mother Nature’s playbook, except that he called it ‘artificial leaf’. Fashioned from silicon, electronics and catalysts, Nocera’s leaf mimics photosynthesis. When placed in about three litres of water, this ‘leaf’ produces a day’s supply of electricity to an average home in a developing country. “One can envision villages in India and Africa purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology,” says Nocera. Ratan Tata believes in the technology and forged a collaboration earlier this year.
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(This story appears in the 06 January, 2012 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
educating and interesting reading. imparts knowledge ,thanks.
on Jan 2, 2012I always thought why our scientists still couldn't achieved the technology which can separate hydrogen from water. The artificial leaf sound game changer and should also be considered by big electricity generating companies. The viability of the technology in terms of radiation need to be reviewed. If the research is proved viable, adequate know-how should be shared so as to enable the research socity to perform more work on this and enhance the effectiveness of the invention. Goverments round the world should include this under renewable energy policies and provide support.
on Dec 30, 2011