Australian artificial photosynthesis could cut down on carbon dioxide

Researchers at the Commonwealth ‘s (CSIRO) Telecommunications and Industrial Physics are developing a technology that copies what plants do by taking light and carbon dioxide and converts them into energy to produce food.

“By imitating this process with a mix of manufactured materials instead of chlorophyll, we are hoping to develop technology that can reduce the large amounts of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from power stations and cars,” said project leader, Dr Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis. “By-products of the process could be a valuable alternative fuel, methane, or even food in the form of starches and sugars.”

So far, the researchers have been able to produce energy in the laboratory, and have also produced methane, but say that they still have a long way to go.