Cambridge Scientists Develop Artificial Leaf for Carbon-Neutral Fuel Production

A team at the University of Cambridge has engineered an artificial leaf capable of producing hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water using solar energy. This prototype mimics photosynthesis to create denser fuels with a zero-carbon footprint upon combustion. Led by Virgil Andrei, the team's innovation synthesizes ethylene and ethane, potentially leading to cheaper and cleaner methods for producing fuels, chemicals, and plastics. The device utilizes a copper nanoflower catalyst developed at the University of California to convert carbon dioxide and water into molecules. On the opposite side, silicon nanowires efficiently extract electrons from light to produce glycerol, a byproduct valuable to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. While still in the early stages, the team aims to enhance the device's performance for practical applications and commercial viability.