Scientists have created an artificial plant that cleans the air and generates electricity

Researchers have developed a new type of artificial plant that can generate electricity. This is a win-win situation, because the technology not only produces “green” energy, but also removes carbon from the air, just as ordinary plants do.

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< p>A research team from Binghamton University has repurposed their research on bacteria-powered biobatteries into a new idea for artificial plants that can absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen and even produce small amounts of energy.

Using five biological solar cells elements and their photosynthetic bacteria, professor Seokhyun Choi and doctoral student Maryam Rezaei created an artificial leaf “for fun” and then realized that the concept had wider implications.

They created the first plant with five leaves , and then tested its rate of carbon dioxide capture and ability to produce oxygen.

While the current power output of about 140 microwatts is a secondary benefit, Choi aims to improve the technology to achieve a minimum output of more than one milliwatt. It also wants to integrate an energy storage system such as lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors. Choi notes:

I want to be able to use this electricity to charge my mobile phone or for other practical purposes. With some modifications, these artificial plants could become a part of every home. The benefits of this idea are easy to see.

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According to a Binghamton University press release, other innovations could include using multiple species of bacteria to ensure long-term viability and developing ways to minimize maintenance, such as water and nutrient delivery systems.

The study also states that carbon dioxide (CO2) levels indoors are often significantly higher than outdoors, a growing health concern, especially in cities where people spend more than 80% of their time indoors. The researchers also claim that cyanobacterial artificial plants improve indoor carbon sequestration by converting CO2 into oxygen (O2) and bioelectricity.

These artificial plants use indoor lighting to stimulate photosynthesis, achieving a 90% reduction in indoor CO2 levels, from 5,000 to 500 parts per million, far exceeding the 10% reduction seen using natural plants. In addition to improving air quality, the system produces O2 and bioelectricity, enough to power portable electronics. A study published in Advanced Sustainable Systems states:

By serially connecting five biosolar cells in each wing, we achieve an OCV of 1.0 V and a maximum power of 46 μW. Importantly, when these leaves are connected in series in an artificial plant structure, the system produces an OCV of 2.7 V and a maximum power of 140 µW, which is enough to power portable electronics.

Each artificial leaf generates electricity during photosynthesis, with water and nutrients arriving through transpiration and capillary action, mimicking natural plant systems.

According to the study, this decentralized approach offers a sustainable, energy-efficient solution to indoor environmental problems, providing improved air quality and renewable electricity amid rising global CO2 levels.