Normally things that are artificial do not attract me. But one is making a big exception!
I am talking about artificial photosynthesis. Scientists are at work on capturing Global Artificial Photosynthesis. The plan is to capture, convert and store energy from the sun, as plants do. It is one of the most important technical challenges of the 21st century.
According to the scientists more solar energy strikes the Earth in one hour than the energy used by all human activity in a year!
Scientists can already use solar energy to split water into oxygen and hydrogen but it is very expensive.
It will be very difficult to mimic the second stage of photosynthesis, where plants draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce carbohydrates.
Artificial photosynthesis would provide a clean source of hydrogen fuel. It would also provide basic carbohydrates for food. By removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere it would tackle climate change and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
Less water and fertiliser would be needed for growing crops and this would help save the environment.
Just imagine if this artificial photosynthesis took off!
Until next time,
Roz
www.roztownsend.com
Source Health & Science Section The Sydney Morning Herald August 4 2011
