TOK – Natural Sciences

Knowledge Question: How are priorities defined in science and how do they reflect society at that time

RLS: Artificial Leaf

 

Synthetic gas (syngas) is an artificial gas that can be used for the production of various fuels, drugs, plastics, and fertilisers.

Some benefits of syngas include:

  • Generation of renewable power
  • Conversion of problematic wastes to useful fuels
  • Economical onsite power production and reduced transmission losses
  • Reduction in carbon emission

However, the production of syngas still results in wastage of coal or petroleum substances. The new artificial leaf photosynthesises light, water and carbon dioxide with perovskite (a cobalt catalyst) and produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is required to make syngas without carbon waste being emitted. It photosynthesises light, water and carbon dioxide with perovskite (a cobalt catalyst).

“Being able to produce it sustainably would be a critical step in closing the global carbon cycle and establishing a sustainable chemical and fuel industry.”

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