Chapter 1: The Green Revolution in Energy

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, researchers are exploring various renewable sources, including solar, geothermal, fusion, and hydro & wind energy. These initiatives aim to create technologies that are not only more efficient but also cost-effective and environmentally responsible, helping us transition away from fossil fuels. Additionally, methods for capturing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere are being implemented as part of this effort.

The greenery that surrounds us offers more than just a breath of fresh air. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants not only generate energy for their growth but also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, releasing oxygen—two vital elements for human existence, especially in the context of global warming caused by increased CO2 levels.

Imagine utilizing this same process to generate electricity. The beauty of science lies in its encouragement to think creatively, often leading to rewarding discoveries. In this spirit, scientists have begun investigating how plants can serve as viable electricity sources. In a previous article, I discussed a plant-based supercapacitor, an eco-friendly design that charges in mere minutes.

This groundbreaking method involves capturing the electrons that plants naturally transport within their cells, thus creating what is known as a “green biological solar cell.” All living organisms, including plants and animals, have electrons that move through their cells. Researchers have discovered a way to harvest these electrons and convert them into electricity. Unlike traditional solar cells that rely on sunlight, this innovative approach utilizes the natural photosynthetic process of plants.

During photosynthesis, light initiates an electron flow from water, resulting in the production of oxygen and sugars. This flow generates what is referred to as “photocurrent,” which can be harnessed to power external devices, akin to how solar cells operate with sunlight. For this study, a specific type of plant, a succulent, was chosen due to its thick leaves that help retain water.

The first video explores the creation of 'green' energy through living plant bio-solar cells, demonstrating the potential of plants in energy generation.

When light illuminates the leaf, it produces electricity. Although the power generated is lower than that of a conventional battery—registering at a voltage of 0.28V and generating a photocurrent density of 20 µA/cm² when connected to a circuit—the researchers believe they can enhance this output by incorporating additional leaves. Moreover, they discovered that the plant could also generate hydrogen for other applications. This pioneering approach could lead to the development of future sustainable and multifunctional green energy technologies.

The full research findings were published in the Journal of ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Chapter 2: Future Prospects in Renewable Energy

The second video provides a DIY guide on creating photosynthetic solar cells, showcasing innovative methods to harness solar energy effectively.

Australia is planning to export solar energy to Singapore through a groundbreaking initiative called the Sun Cable project, which will utilize a seafloor cable to transport solar-generated electricity from the northern part of the country.