An artificial plant has been developed which can reduce in-home CO2 levels with vastly more efficiency than a natural plant, creating electricity at the same time.
Scientists in the United States repurposed existing research on bacteria-powered biobatteries into a new idea for artificial plants that could feed on carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
Binghamton University Professor Seokheun Choi said most air purification systems were expensive, cumbersome and required frequent cleaning or filter replacement.
Professor Choi said his team’s artificial plants used indoor light to drive photosynthesis, achieving a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide levels, far surpassing the 10 percent reduction seen with natural plants.
“Especially after going through COVID-19, we know the significance of indoor air quality,” he said.
Professor Choi said researchers used five biological solar cells and photosynthetic bacteria to create an artificial leaf “for fun”, then realized the concept had wider implications.
He said they built the first plant with five leaves, then tested its carbon dioxide capture rates, oxygen generation capability and energy output.
Professor Choi said the power generation of around 140 microwatts was a secondary benefit, but was hopeful technology improvements could increase the output, paving the way for integration of an energy storage system, such as a lithium-ion battery or supercapacitor.
“I want to be able to use this electricity to charge a cell phone or other practical uses.”
Read the full study: Cyanobacterial Artificial Plants for Enhanced Indoor Carbon Capture and Utilization.
