Scientists have developed a new technology called the bionic leaf that can turn sunlight into liquid fuel. They claim the technology can revolutionize renewable energy sources.

Plants use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into the energy they use for growth. Now, a team from Harvard University discovered a way to simulate this process using an artificial leaf.

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This leaf becomes a catalyst that enables sunlight to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Scientists then apply a bacterium that converts carbon dioxide and hydrogen into a liquid fuel called isopropanol.

This specific bacterium is called Ralstonia eutropha. After feeding on hydrogen, the bacteria produce an enzyme that converts the hydrogen into protons and electrons, combining them with carbon dioxide to make more cells. The result of this process is isopropanol.

This is another way of utilizing solar energy where it can produce liquid fuel that can be placed in storage, according to researcher Pamela Silver.

Many consider this a breakthrough discovery. The researchers, however, still have a host of challenges facing them.

One challenge is that this new system can only produce at one percent efficiency, which is about the same rate of the photosynthesis process in plants. Researchers aim to reach five percent efficiency for the bionic leaf to work and revolutionize the sustainable energy and solar fuel industries.

Making hydrogen fuel as an alternative, renewable source of energy is no longer a new concept. This idea has yet to be incorporated into practical application for cars and power plants since their fuel are liquid and not gas.

If proven successful, the bionic leaf system can be the most efficient form of renewable energy. It can also aid in combating climate change.

The bionic leaf system can also be alternative to fossil fuels and biofuels, which have been proven to produce more greenhouse gases than gasoline.

This study was published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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