Eco Factor: Electricity generated by artificial photosynthesis.
Researchers at the University of California along with a team of scientists at MIT and Michigan are developing synthetic leaves that can use the phenomenon of photosynthesis to generate tiny amount of electricity. These synthetic leaves are made in glass wafers with tiny water-filled networks inside.
Just like a real plant, the leaves suck water channeled from the main stem at 1.5cm per second. This water moves to the edges of the leaves from where it evaporates through the pores. The main stem has metal plates connected to circuits attached to the walls. The charged plates and the water network form two conducting layers that are separated by an insulated layer.
The difference of electrical properties of air and water enables the system to generate a small amount of charge, which makes the system generate an output voltage of 20r microvolts with a power density of about 2 microwatts per cubic centimeter. Quite obviously, the system’s output power isn’t anywhere near to the amount needed to charge even the smallest of gadgets, but it does show a potential that could be harnessed for green electricity.
Via: GizmoWatch/NewScientist
