How much would an artificial leaf cost?

Researchers in the United States have created a 100 W "artificial leaf" that harnesses sunlight to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, with a production cost of less than $50 (£31). This achievement is a significant advancement in renewable energy technology.

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This innovative device is capable of utilizing impure water, enhancing its applicability in developing regions and presenting possibilities for water purification using the same technology.

Dan Nocera from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) outlined his ambitious goal at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting, aiming to create energy production akin to fast food. He intentionally sacrificed efficiency for significant cost advantages, tailoring the design for developing countries. Its compact size and simplicity in engineering contribute to its low manufacturing costs.

How the Artificial Leaf Works

Artificial leaf devices emulate the natural process of photosynthesis, converting sunlight into usable energy. Standard commercially available alternatives typically operate at 1 kW, while Nocera's creation operates at 100 W but is drastically more affordable with prices around $12,000.

The design consists of a silicon rectangle featuring a previously studied cobalt catalyst on one side and a novel triple alloy catalyst on the opposite side. When immersed in water and exposed to UV light that simulates sunlight, the cobalt catalyst facilitates the release of oxygen and protons. The ions then migrate to the other side of the leaf, where the new catalyst supplies the necessary electrons to produce molecular hydrogen. The resulting gases can be stored for future energy needs.

Nocera reported that his leaf can utilize various water sources, such as river water, seawater, and even wastewater, indicating promising implications for both drinking water generation and electricity production.

Expert Opinions

Richard Douthwaite, a researcher at the University of York, UK, noted the project’s intriguing nature and potential significance but stressed the importance of evaluating the device's lifespan. Ultimately, the cost per watt will be critical in determining the practical application of the artificial leaf.

Nocera mentioned that his leaf has already run continuously for a week in laboratory conditions, though further investigations are needed to assess its durability. He has partnered with the Indian company Tata to facilitate the commercialization of this technology.

While the concept of the "artificial leaf" is impressive, it remains within laboratory confines. The elegant design has elicited interest, suggesting the possibility of commercial production. Nocera’s team introduced this silicon wafer coated with catalysts that mimic the natural photosynthesis process in the journal Science last year.

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However, Sun Catalytix, a company founded following Nocera's research, has decided against scaling the prototype for field testing. They argue that the artificial leaf does not present considerable savings compared to existing methods for deriving hydrogen from sunlight.

"We must concentrate on developing solutions that are significantly better than traditional methods for generating renewable hydrogen," stated Chief Technology Officer Tom Jarvi. Estimates reveal that hydrogen production using a solar panel and electrolysis costs approximately $7 per kilogram, while the artificial leaf's theoretical production cost would be around $6.50. It is noteworthy that fossil fuel methods achieve hydrogen production at just $1-$2 per kilogram.

The declining prices of solar cells lead the firm to hesitate in making substantial investments into a prototype that's unlikely to yield desired results. They are now examining less expensive designs, but these depend on yet-to-be-developed semiconductor materials. As a result, the artificial leaf remains on hold, as indicated by Sun Catalytix chemist Joep Pijpers.

Tackling the Solar Hydrogen Challenge

Despite the setbacks, Nocera suggests various cost-reduction strategies. For instance, leveraging a dye-infused plastic to capture light could potentially reduce the necessary amount of silicon. Jarvi concurs with the idea that simplifying the panel configuration could lead to cost efficiencies, while concentrating sunlight can also minimize the area required for installation.

Although the current prototype does not provide ample cost benefits over conventional solar panels, the artificial leaf design continues to inspire interest in solar fuels, drawing attention and funding to the field. Chemists expressed their admiration for the artificial leaf's innovative design during a meeting at Imperial College London on May 18. Philipp Kurz, an inorganic chemist at the University of Kiel, emphasized its significance, highlighting how the artificial leaf has transformed perceptions regarding accessible hydrogen and oxygen production.

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