Revolutionary clean fuel breakthrough could create cars powered by sunshine

STUDY FINDS

A groundbreaking clean fuel technology could potentially enable cars to run on nothing but sunlight. The environmentally-friendly fuel harnesses solar energy, a development that could dramatically transform the automotive industry. Conceived by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the team says the technology converts carbon dioxide and water into liquid fuels using the power of the Sun. From there, the fuels can directly power a vehicle’s engine.

Researchers explain that their breakthrough came from harnessing the power of photosynthesis to convert CO2, water, and sunlight into multi-carbon fuels – specifically ethanol and propanol – in a single step. These fuels possess a high energy density and can be effortlessly stored or transported.

In contrast to fossil fuels, these solar fuels produce zero carbon emissions and are entirely renewable. What sets them apart from most bioethanol is that they do not utilize agricultural land that could otherwise be used for food production, experts point out.

Although it’s still in the laboratory phase, the scientists believe their “artificial leaves” could be a vital stepping stone in the transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy…