Scientists at MIT have developed an artificial leaf that mimics photosynthesis, only much more efficiently. The leaf breaks water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen parts and stores them in cells for generating electricity. Previous artificial leaves were highly unstable and made of expensive components — the new leaf is a big step forward in that it’s made of cheap and resilient components.
David Nocera, the lead scientist on the project, claims that one artificial leaf in a gallon of water could produce enough electricity to power a household in developing countries for a day. A company in India is already planning to implement this technology on a larger scale with the creation of a small power plant about the size of a refrigerator.
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If this actually works, it would be a big help in self sustaining colonies on the Moon, Mars and parts beyond.
Yes. As long as sources of H20 can be found, this could be a very handy source of energy for colonies.
Oh sure, throw in a caveat! I thought it was blindingly obvious a non critical source of water was required. Are you sure you aren’t an engineer :)
I’d imagine these would work in colonies already getting by, and want to leverage some resources for more energy.
India, for example.
I’m married to an engineer, my brother is an engineer, I work with engineers. It must be rubbing off on me.
Heh, they say mental diseases are catching. I’d have some tests done to make sure you haven’t come down with a light case of engineeritis. :)