Research Article
Artificial Leaves: Bio-Inspired Systems for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Solutions
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
87-94
Received:
8 September 2025
Accepted:
28 September 2025
Published:
18 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajme.20251105.11
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Abstract: Leaves are the site of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the remarkable natural process by which plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. This complex process is broadly divided into two main stages: the Light-dependent Reaction and the Light-independent Reaction (or Dark Reaction). The Light-dependent Reaction captures light energy to produce ATP and NADPH. These products then power the Light-independent Reaction (Calvin Cycle), which fixes carbon dioxide to create sugars. The entire process requires intricate coupling (e.g., in chloroplasts) to ensure the efficiency and regulation of these stages. Artificial leaves are bio-inspired devices that mimic natural photosynthesis to convert solar energy into chemical fuels and sequester CO2. These systems integrate light-absorbing materials, catalysts, and biomimetic designs to enable efficient water splitting, hydrogen production, and CO2 reduction. This review examines principles, recent advancements, and challenges in artificial leaf technology, focusing on system engineering, material innovations, and applications. Notable progress includes solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies above 10% and selective CO2 reduction using triazine-based membranes. Modern designs prioritize lightweight, flexible, and floating configurations for scalability, allowing deployment on water without land competition. Systems have scaled to 100 cm2 with 24-hour stability, but durability, efficiency, and manufacturing challenges persist. Future priorities include improving fluid dynamics, mass transport, and catalysts, while exploring multifunctional uses like water purification. Artificial leaves hold transformative potential for sustainable, decentralized energy production and carbon sequestration, particularly in infrastructure-limited regions, by converting CO2 into valuable products.
Abstract: Leaves are the site of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the remarkable natural process by which plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. This complex process is broadly divided into two main stages: the Light-dependent Reaction and the Light-independent Reaction ...
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Kurumbeparambil Mohanan Priyan
