Artificial leaf converts sunlight into hydrogen

Korean researchers recreate underwater photosynthesis to generate hydrogen fuel and potentially reduce carbon dioxide

Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science have developed an artificial leaf they say can efficiently convert sunlight into fuel.

The artificial leaf mimics the natural process of underwater photosynthesis of aquatic plants to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which can be harvested for fuel. Marine plants generate energy from the sun through photosynthesis, just like regular plants.

However, it is difficult to receive full sunlight deep under the sea. Instead, they are subjected to various types of photosynthesis that selectively utilise wavelengths reaching their depths.

The study used hetero-type dual photoelectrodes, in which two photoanodes of different bandgaps are connected in parallel for extended light harvesting.

This technology could contribute to the reduction and treatment of carbon dioxide emissions, as using hydrogen produced by the artificial leaf as fuel does not generate carbon dioxide emissions. It could also be used as a cheap and stable hydrogen fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, according to the researchers.

Professor Jae Sung Lee, a researcher from the Ulsan National Institute of Science, said: “We aim to achieve 10% enhanced light harvesting efficiency within three years. This technology will contribute to the establishment of the renewable-energy-type hydrogen refueling station by supplying cheap fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.”

The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.