Artificial photosynthesis

Abstract

Photosynthesis is the primary source of energy for life on Earth. However, only three percent of the light energy that strikes a plant is actually stored as chemical fuel, due to the functional constraints on a plant. At present, scientists are investigating several approaches to developing artificial photosynthesis systems. In this article, some of the recent attempts at the development of photoelectrochemical cells that satisfy the natural constraints of the physical world, as well as the economic constraints of human society are reviewed.