From replicating photosynthesis to implanting neural semiconductors, we track the progress of ground-breaking engineering research.
Lab: Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)
What: Bio-inspired hydrogels capable of harnessing sunlight for hydrogen production
Stage: TRL-1
Scientists have for a long time been trying to replicate the natural process of photosynthesis, which enables plants to absorb sunlight, water and carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
It is thought that synthetic or artificial photosynthesis systems have huge potential in generating clean, renewable energy.
Researchers from JAIST and the University of Tokyo have been working on a new type of bio-inspired hydrogel that mimics this process and uses sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogels are created using carefully structured polymer networks. Packed with functional molecules, these help control the transfer of electrons and work together to...