Scientists have created the world’s first practical artificial leaf that can turn sunlight and water into energy, which they claim could pave the way for a cheaper source of power in developing countries like India.
A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology claims that the artificial leaf from silicon, electronics and various catalysts, which spur chemical reactions within the device, can use sunlight to break water into hydrogen and oxygen — to be used to create electricity in a separate fuel cell. “A practical artificial leaf has been one of the Holy Grails of science for decades. We believe we have done it. And placed in a gallon of water and left in the sun, these artificial leaves could provide a home with basic electricity for a day,” said Daniel Nocera, who led the team.
He added: “Our goal is to make each home its own power station. One can envision villages in India and Africa purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology.”
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PAC summons lobbyist Radia in 2G probe
Age Correspondent
New Delhi
March 28: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has summoned corporate lobbyist Niira Radia on April 4 to discuss her role in alleged irregularities in the allocation of 2G spectrum licences.
The PAC, headed by senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, is examining the CAG report on the 2G spectrum scam, which led to the resignation of former communications minister A. Raja, later arrested and now in jail.