Photosynthesis, the chemical reaction that enables almost all life on Earth, is extremely inefficient at capturing energy—only around 1% of light energy that a plant absorbs is converted into chemical energy within the plant.
Coupling a two-step electrochemical system that converts CO2 to acetate with photovoltaics increases solar-to-food energy conversion efficiency, providing an alternative route to produce food from carbon dioxide and electricity, independent of biological photosynthesis.
Experiments suggest that it might become possible to nourish plants without photosynthesis—a tool that could one day help feed astronauts and a crowded planet.
Some plants can be persuaded to produce a new crop in the dark, a process known as 'forcing'. Although it sounds technical it is not as tricky as you might expect and can yield impressive results at a time when fresh produce is scarce...
Scientists in the US have found a way to grow plants in complete darkness. Could this be the future of farming, reducing land use and environmental impact? Or will traditional agriculture remain irreplaceable?
Artificial methods of growing lettuce produce twice the amount of the crop as traditional field-based methods, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. The meta-analysis also found that it was quicker to grow lettuce using artificial methods, with production rates 50% faster in summer... Read more
Chemists at the University of Illinois have successfully produced fuels using water, carbon dioxide and visible light through artificial photosynthesis.
If CO2 emissions do not fall fast enough, then CO2 will have to be removed from the atmosphere to limit global warming. Not only could planting new forests and biomass contribute to this, but new technologies for artificial photosynthesis as well. Physicists have estimated how much surface area such... Read more
The technology can also be used to produce clean energy.
https://news.uchicago.edu/story/chemists-create-artificial-photosynthesis-system-10-times-more-efficient-existing-systems
Imagine growing crops even in the darkness! This can be a game changer in global food security.
It’s been done! Artificial photosynthesis systems are already being used to grow crops.
Scientists have discovered a method for growing crops in complete darkness.
Yeast, algae, and mushrooms are among the top crops that can grow without sunlight for photosynthesis.
Several crops, primarily vegetables, can already grow without sunlight.
Food crops that thrive in darkness can lead to efficient farming, significantly enhancing global food security.
In the near future, artificial photosynthesis may be the secret to sustaining life in space colonies.
This technology can also help to improve global food security!
These researchers have also discovered a way to use artificial photosynthesis to create biodegradable plastics.
https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/artificial-photosynthesis-uses-co2-to-create-biodegradable-plastics
Scientists are already using artificial photosynthesis to produce sustainable fuels.
https://chemistry.illinois.edu/news/2019-05-23/prashant-jain-sungju-yu-have-successfully-used-artificial-photosynthesis-transform
Artificial photosynthesis can extract huge amounts of carbon from the air, limiting (or even reversing) global warming.
A great idea, but not likely to happen soon as humans lack the necessary biological makeup for photosynthesis.
People can also save a lot of time if they didn’t have to worry about finding or preparing food.
https://nypost.com/2022/08/03/americans-spend-more-than-400-hours-a-year-in-the-kitchen-poll/
A photosynthetic skin could be the perfect solution for ending world hunger!