Researchers in South Korea have developed an artificial leaf that mimics underwater photosynthesis of aquatic plants to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, a study published in Nature Communications said. The significance of the research is that it may bring the efficiency of metal oxide-based hydrogen generation, a potentially inexpensive way to produce fuel, one step closer to practical application. The design of the light collector was inspired by marine plants, which do not receive the full spectrum of sunlight under the sea, the researchers explained.

Kritz, B. (2017, January 26). Underwater plants inspire better solar cells. The Manila Times, p. B5.