Unlike fossil fuels, these solar fuels produce net-zero carbon emissions,saidthe researchers, and are entirely renewable.
Whats more, unlike most bioethanol, they do not divert any agricultural land away from food production.
Researchers made the artificial leaf from multiple layers including copper, glass, silver, and graphite.
40% off TNW Conference!
In the presence of sunlight, the catalyst convertsCO2to ethanol and propanol, and the water into oxygen.
But this latest breakthrough has enabled scientists to produce clean ethanol and propanol without producing syngas at all.
Eliminating this step makes the technology more practical and scalable, said the researchers.
The team is now working to optimise the light absorbers so that they can better absorb sunlight.
They are also working on optimising the catalyst so it can convert more sunlight into fuel.
In the future, though, cars could use the technology to produce clean fuel on the go.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
