If True and Practical ...

[Sukerkin]

this could be a real boost to the energy famished of the world in times to come:

http://news.yahoo.com/chemist-hopes...-photosynthesis-173654018--abc-news-tech.html

I don't have time to check this out in detail yet (got to get back to work) so please forgive me if it turns out to be bunkum.

 

[granfire]

that does sound good!

 

[jks9199]

What I don't get is that it seems to be using the "leaf" to generate sufficient electricity to split the water molecule. Why not just put the electricity out directly? I realize that you can burn hydrogen to spin turbines and the like... but seems like it's adding a step that'll reduce the efficiency.

 

[K-man]

What I don't get is that it seems to be using the "leaf" to generate sufficient electricity to split the water molecule. Why not just put the electricity out directly? I realize that you can burn hydrogen to spin turbines and the like... but seems like it's adding a step that'll reduce the efficiency.

It is not generating electricity to break down the water. That is done by sunlight acting with a catalyst. The biggest issue is separating the oxygen from the hydrogen, or else there could be another 'big bang'. :asian: