A Florida State University researcher has discovered an artificial material that mimics photosynthesis and potentially creates a sustainable energy source. The new material efficiently captures sunlight; then, the energy can be used to break down water into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2).
"In theory, this should be a self-sustaining energy source,” said Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Jose L. Mendoza-Cortes. “Perhaps in the future, you could put this material on your roof and it could turn rain water into energy with the help of the sun.”
To prevent rusting caused by the breakdown of water, Mendoza-Cortez developed a multi-layered material out of manganese oxide, commonly known as birnessite. When the material was reduced to a single layer, the manganese oxide trapped light at a much faster rate.
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