Scientists Reveal "Artificial Leaf" That Turns Carbon Into Sustainable Fuels
Using an ingenious method inspired by the photosynthesis of living things, scientists have developed a new "artificial leaf" that removes CO2 from the air and turns it into sustainable fuels.
For years, scientists at various institutions have experimented with similar artificial leaves that can absorb light and CO2 in similar ways to the real thing.
Now, researchers at the prestigious University of Cambridge and the University of California—Berkeley have designed a system that uses that nature-inspired technology alongside microscopic copper "nanoflowers" to create cleaner hydrocarbons, which like fossil fuels are derived from hydrogen and carbon.
In a new paper published in the journal Nature Catalysis, the scientists detailed how they build on prior Cambridge research into artificial leaves made with perovskite, a crystalline compound that might make solar panels cheaper and more efficient in the future.
Despite their success in making carbon-scrubbing artificial leaves in the past, Cambridge chemist Virgil Andrei, the paper's lead author, said that he and his fellow researchers wanted to take the technology further.
"We wanted to go beyond basic carbon dioxide reduction and produce more complex hydrocarbons," he said in the school's press release, "but that requires significantly more energy."
To make that happen, the Berkeley and Cambridge scientists used the light absorption power of the perovskite-based artificial leaves and the copper nanoflower as a catalyst to synthesize complex hydrocarbons like ethane and ethylene with just CO2 and water.
The researchers then tacked onto their device some electrodes made of silicon nanowire, which allowed them to add in the chemical compound glycerol and make their device a reported 200 times more efficient and produce valuable chemical byproducts like glycerate, lactate, and formate.
"Glycerol is typically considered waste," Andrei explained, "but here it plays a crucial role in improving the reaction rate."
Right now, this fascinating (and still unnamed) device is still in its infancy and needs work to be scaled up. The team behind it is quite optimistic, however, about its future applications — and with climate change-causing carbon emissions increasing unabated, there's no better time for such inspired scientists to get to work.
More on alternative fuel production: Chinese Astronauts Create Rocket Fuel in Space Using "Artificial Photosynthesis"
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bayer and Broad Institute Extend Research Collaboration to Develop New Cardiovascular Therapies
Focus on joint discovery of novel therapeutic approaches based on findings in human genomics research related to cardiovascular diseases Current efforts focused on treatment options for specific forms of cardiovascular disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy Phase I clinical study in healthy volunteers for development of new treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation recently initiated Extended collaboration to further strengthen Bayer's precision cardiology pipeline BERLIN & CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bayer and the Broad Institute today announced that they have extended their research collaboration of 10 years by an additional five years, to further advance findings in human genomics research in cardiovascular diseases. The expanded agreement will focus on joint precision cardiology target identification, leveraging the established human cardiomyocyte platform to rapidly validate observations, and discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. Current efforts are directed to develop potential treatment options for patients with specific forms of cardiovascular disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), amongst others. DCM is a type of heart disease characterized by the enlargement of the heart's chambers, which leads to a decreased ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can result in heart failure and other complications if left untreated.1 Established in 2013, this longstanding collaboration combines the Broad Institute's extensive expertise in genomics and biology with Bayer's in-depth experience in small, chemically manufactured molecules and biologics drug discovery to advance drug discovery research for novel cardiovascular therapeutics. This strategic research alliance already has resulted in a number of joint publications and conference presentations, and it has paved the way for Bayer's announcement in May 2025 regarding the initiation of a Phase I study with its investigational highly selective G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4 (GIRK4) inhibitor which has a potential to help control the electrical activity of heart cells in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). "We are constantly evaluating novel approaches to treat cardiovascular diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Our shared commitment is to explore novel therapeutic targets and modalities in various cardiovascular and renal diseases to help deliver new treatment options to patients in need," said Andrea Haegebarth, Ph.D., Global Head of Research and Early Development for Cardiovascular, Renal, and Immunology at Bayer's Pharmaceuticals Division. "The first joint therapeutic project entered the clinic last month and we are excited to collaborate further with the esteemed scientists at the Broad Institute to identify and develop disease-modifying therapeutics treating underlying causes of cardiovascular diseases." "I am delighted to see Broad and Bayer continue this fruitful collaboration in cardiovascular research," said Todd Golub, director and founding core member of the Broad Institute. "By working together, Broad and Bayer are able to make advances that neither organization could make on its own." Academic collaborations are integral to Bayer's research and development strategy, aimed at delivering innovative treatment solutions to patients, particularly in areas with significant unmet medical needs, such as cardiovascular health. Bayer's strategic focus in cardiovascular research emphasizes precision drug development, facilitating the rapid identification of the most promising targets and commercially viable programs. Bayer with its Bayer Research & Innovation Center (BRIC) is closely located to the Broad Institute in Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA. BRIC houses a center of precision oncology research as well as an experienced team of scientists focused on research and early development for developing precision cardiovascular, renal, and immunology therapeutics. BRIC is also home to Bayer Cambridge which is part of a pioneering global network of life science incubators focused on disruptive innovation and scientific breakthroughs. Financial details have not been disclosed. About Bayer's Commitment in Cardiovascular Diseases Bayer is a leader in cardiology and is advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments in cardiovascular (CV) diseases of high unmet medical need. The strategy is to unlock the strong potential of the future CV market by transforming Bayer's portfolio into precision cardiology, addressing the high CV disease burden, and driving the long-term growth. Bayer's portfolio already includes several innovative products as well as compounds in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, "Health for all, Hunger for none," the company's products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to Find more information at Follow us on Facebook: ________________________ 1 Ferreira A, Ferreira V, Antunes MM, Lousinha A, Pereira-da-Silva T, Antunes D, Cunha PS, Oliveira M, Ferreira RC, Rosa SA. Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Comprehensive Approach to Diagnosis and Risk Stratification. Biomedicines. 2023 Mar 9;11(3):834. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11030834. PMID: 36979813; PMCID: PMC10044994. aka (2025e-0114) Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. View source version on Contacts Bayer Global Media Contact:Derin Denham, phone +1 973 610 7324 Email: Bayer U.S. Media Contact:Elaine Colon, phone +1 732 236 1587 Email: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Chinese nationals investigation: MSU expert on alleged smuggled fungus
The Brief Chinese nationals are being investigated for allegedly smuggling biological materials into the U.S. A Michigan State University researcher says this is an ongoing food safety effort. Experts say proper protocols are needed for importing biological research materials safely. EAST LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - As the investigation continues into Chinese nationals accused of smuggling biological material into the U.S., a researcher at Michigan State University (MSU) hopes the public doesn't lose sight of ongoing efforts to keep our food supply safe. What we know As Chinese nationals are being investigated for allegedly smuggling biological material into the U.S., former FBI agent Bill Kowalski spoke to FOX 2. "Clearly, there are countries that would desire to hurt the U.S.," said Kowalski. "I don't know that it would kill people immediately, but economically it would be a great destruction for us." The backstory A week prior, two Chinese nationals were charged after an investigation showed one tried to smuggle a fungus into the U.S., allegedly for research at the University of Michigan. What they're saying An MSU professor has studied the fungus extensively. "This fungus, Fusarium graminearum, is naturally occurring, it is probably native to North America, so it is widely prevalent across the landscape and worldwide, actually," said Dr. Martin Chilvers with MSU. "It's already here. It already does do damage to our crops, and that's probably part of the reason why these researchers had a strain of this fungus, so they could do additional research to understand the way it interacts with plants." A third Chinese national was charged for allegedly lying about packages containing suspected biological pathogens, including ground worms that were sent to a U-M lab. "It is used in a lot of research to look at cellular development and the genetics of cellular development. It's a nematode that is distributed globally and can be found across the world," Chilvers said. He said that the worms and fungus present a low threat, but proper protocols for bringing them to the U.S. should be followed. "You apply for a permit, they make sure that you can bring it in and secure that isolate, and then destroy it once you finish doing any research. Even if it is relatively low risk, we still go through these procedures to minimize any risk," Chilvers said. What's next Despite the federal investigation, researchers hope the public understands efforts are underway to keep food safe. "There is a lot of research being done across the country and around the world to combat some of these plant diseases that we deal with around the world and here in the U.S., so that we can better manage those and ensure the safety of food production," Chilvers said. What they're saying The University of Michigan issued a statement in response to the arrests. "We have a commitment to groundbreaking research to improve the lives of others. We also have a strong commitment to protect the public and our national security. That's why the University of Michigan takes seriously its duty and responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and policies. These laws and policies promote safety, protect the public, and ensure national security issues are addressed. We cannot and will not tolerate violations of this responsibility if we truly care about the research enterprise we have built together. For these reasons, compliance with federal regulations and university policies is a requirement, not an option. Recently, several individuals have been accused of trying to transport materials across international borders in violation of federal laws and U-M policies, and of making false statements to law enforcement. The university takes these situations extremely seriously." The university said it is fully cooperating and reviewing all policies and protocols.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
China testing orbital refueling procedures for satellite missions
June 10 (UPI) -- China is positioning a satellite to test its ability to refuel another in orbit over Earth and extend its mission for several more years. China's Shijian-25 satellite is designed to refuel and service other satellites while they stay in geostationary orbit over Earth, SpaceNews reported. A geostationary orbit is one in which a satellite or another spacecraft maintains its location over a particular point on Earth by orbiting at a speed that matches the planet's rotation. The satellites were positioned more than 900 miles from each other in low-Earth orbit on Monday. The Shijian-25 was launched in January to test its ability to refuel other satellites and spacecraft, such as the Shijian-21 satellite. Shijian-21 was launched in October 2021 and has already completed its mission to dock with the Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite and tow the defunct satellite to a so-called "graveyard orbit." Such an orbit positions defunct satellites well above geostationary orbit, so it won't interfere with active satellites. Two U.S. satellites are monitoring the two Chinese satellites, which completed several maneuvers over the past weekend to close the gap between them. The Chinese satellites are expected to dock on Wednesday and start a refueling procedure the test the viability of refueling satellites and other spacecraft while they are in geostationary orbit. If the test is successful, it means satellites could extend their missions for much longer than they initially were designed. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology designed the two satellites, and the Shijian-21 appeared to run out of fuel until its recent maneuvers to close the distance between it and the Shijian-25. If the two satellites successfully dock with one another, the Shijian-25 is expected to transfer 313 pounds of hydrazine to extend Shijian-21's service life by another eight years. The test is similar to one planned by U.S.-based Northrop Grumman, which intends to launch its Mission Robotic Vehicle next year to conduct similar servicing of U.S. satellites and spacecraft.
