The Artificial Leaf and Its Impact on Alternative Energy: Solar Energy: Eco20/20

The Artificial Leaf and Its Impact on Alternative Energy

Nature has always been able to create its own energy. The leaves on plants have not only produced the energy needed to convert solar power into fuel, it also pulls carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere to produce the needed nutrients. So scientists began to wonder if they could replicate power that occurs naturally in a new attempt to promote green energy. What they came up with is the artificial leaf.

Artificial Leaf: Based on Nature

Scientists have long studied how plants use the sun's energy to stimulate sugar growth. They believe they have the answer and are now attempting to replicate the leaves on trees and plants in an attempt to move forward with solar energy. Solar energy is one of several green energies that scientists are attempting to use to produce energy -in order to reduce the global dependency on petroleum based fuel as well as carbon fuels, such as coal.

The artificial leaf contains molecules that are sensitive to light, much like the chlorophyll that occurs naturally in the leaves of plants. When these molecules get excited, they react in a way that forms energy. This energy is sustainable and clean, making it a likely source of green energy in the future.

This new technology uses chemical reactions to convert water into hydrogen. This technology is safer for the environment because when energy is produced, there are no harmful chemical components released into the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel that will be harvested from this process is also safer for the environment because when hydrogen is burned, it simply turns into water vapor. This will help replenish and clean the water currently in the atmosphere's water cycle.

Obstacles to the Artificial Leaf

The main obstacle to the artificial leaf is the money and energy required to produce the leaves. This is mainly because the chemical elements that are currently used in the artificial leaves are more expensive than the savings that would be generated by utilizing this service. Scientists are working around the clock researching various other elementals in an attempt to find a cheaper substitute for the platinum or other semi-conductive materials. Two of the chemical compounds or elements scientists are attempting to use are rust and titanium.

Another obstacle to the artificial leaf is the fact that it is still a relatively new technology. As with any new technology, the price is high and the conversion process is still not as efficient as the current standards.

Technology Already in Use

Barcelona, Spain is already utilizing these artificial leaves, and in a remarkable way. The Hotel Forest is draping its façade with these tiny biocells to harvest and expend energy, mainly as a lighting source of multicolored effect on the face of the building. Many other countries are quickly racing in an attempt to reach the same level of technology, or surpass it.

As countries race to equal or surpass the technological level of producing artificial leaves, the technology will quickly become more effective and cost efficient, making it an affordable choice of green energy.

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The Artificial Leaf and Its Impact on Alternative Energy

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