Channeling inspiration from leaves and the process of photosynthesis, two research teams have developed improved techniques to convert carbon dioxide and water into usable fuels.
One approach – dubbed artificial photosynthesis – involves collecting solar energy like plant life, before using the energy to convert carbon dioxide into petrol or other useful products.
The second approach uses a device capable of splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen by directly harnessing solar energy.
Both approaches will undergo further tweaking before attempts are made at commercialisation.
Read more at University of Illinois & Massachusets Institute of Technology