Artificial Photosynthesis

By Joao Martins

An article recently posted on The Engineer website describes recent developments made in artificial

photosynthesis. Artificial photosynthesis works just like the photosynthesis that plants use to get their energy, except that instead of being performed by plants, it is performed by man-made chemicals. This technology uses sunlight to convert solar energy into hydrogen and oxygen. The discovery of these materials was made by Rice University Chemistry professor Kenton Whitmire. This new technology can be used as clean and renewable way of generating hydrogen, which is what scientists want to use to power cars in the future due to their clean operation. They way the artificial photosynthesis material is made is by combining iron, manganese and phosphorus into a molecule that changes to a gas when a vacuum is applied. Scientists then take these molecules and make them into a film that is then applied to titanium dioxide rods.

Source:
https://www.theengineer.co.uk/new-catalyst-promotes-artificial-photosynthesis/