Scientists at the University of Cambridge and the University of California, Berkeley have created a groundbreaking way to produce fuel and valuable chemicals sustainably. By attaching “nano-flowers” to an artificial leaf, they mimicked the process of photosynthesis to create useful compounds.
The nano-flowers, made from copper, are significantly smaller than a millimeter and work by transforming carbon dioxide into important chemicals like ethane and ethylene. These chemicals can be used for liquid fuel and plastics without releasing additional carbon emissions.
This innovative approach uses natural materials to produce clean fuels, which is crucial in reducing climate change caused by burning fossil fuels. The team’s development may reshape the way we produce fuels and valuable chemicals sustainably, offering a promising solution for a cleaner future.
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/ckgyv45pg4yo