Simulating "Green" for a Greener Planet

Green lifeforms on our planet are able to create energy utilizing sunlight and CO2 in order to survive and thrive. Scientists are researching the ability to create an artificial Photosynthesis that can be used to produce liquid fuel from CO2 and water. The goal has become closer when the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawerence Berkeley National Laboratory made a discovery that nano-sized crystals of cobalt oxide can effectively carry out the crucial Photosynthesis reaction of splitting water molecules.

The following video shows an aqueous solution contains silica particles that have been embedded with photooxidizing cobalt oxide nanocrystals plus a sensitizer to allow the water-splitting reaction to be driven by visible light. When laser light hits the solution it turns from gold to blue as the sensitizer absorbs light. Bubbles soon begin to form as oxygen gas is released from the spilt water molecules.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4mwyjG3Vg&feature=player_embedded

To read more about the Subject, check the link: The Berkeley Lab Views

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