While this is not something that has already been achieved on a large scale, scientists do claim that they are closer to achieving artificial photosynthesis than ever before and quite frankly this could be the greatest invention that man has made since a long, long time. This is awesome not because it promises us to transport in time or make an awesome weapon that could kill millions but because if the material does materialize then we could relax about the Carbon Dioxide content in air.
A team of Chinese scientists from the Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology has found that carbon nanotubes, which have been used in many nanotechnology applications including solar energy and adhesive material, can mimic a key step of the process. Many believe that artificial photosynthesis could produce enough hydrogen over the long term to launch a “hydrogen economy” in which all vehicles could run on hydrogen-powered fuel cells. Another clear benefit is that artificial photosynthesis could help absorb a large chunk of atmospheric carbon emissions.
Scientists have failed to achieve the process before this technology simple because Photosynthesis falls in a category of reactions called multiple electron systems and nobody has succeeded in making artificial multiple electron systems that could provide the necessary energy for artificial photosynthesis. To get past this problem, the Chinese team decided to substitute single-walled carbon nanotubes for the electron receiver molecule in photosynthesis.
While this is not the entire process, it is mimicking the most crucial step in this process. If we do achieve this, we probably can coat every building with this material to stop global warming. But will that not encourage man to cut more trees? So is this really good? You decide.
