Leaf-like device for greener chemical production
Researchers couple enzymes with an organic solar cell to power chemical synthesis with sunlight.
The chemical industry remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels to synthesize everyday products such as plastics, cosmetics, and medicines.
Erwin Reisner’s research group at the University of Cambridge has developed a “semi-artificial leaf” that uses sunlight to produce hydrogen and formate—key compounds that can serve as building blocks for chemical manufacturing.
Author summary: New device uses sunlight for chemical synthesis.