Researchers from the University of Florida have developed a synthetic material that can be used as an independent source of renewable energy. The head of work on this project assistant professor of chemical engineering, José Luis Mendoza Cortes, published the details in the publication The Journal of Physical Chemistry.
Scientists have experimented with having a multilayer structure manganese oxide. The unusual properties of this material appeared after removing the layers so that only one remains. It was found in this case, the material may split water into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of sunlight. Mendoza Cortes compares this process to photosynthesis - the absorption of plant carbon dioxide and water and turning them into organic matter and oxygen at the expense of solar energy.
Mendoza Cortes notes that the panel of the new material can be placed directly on the roof of the house and fed by rainwater and sunlight. The hydrogen thus obtained may be used as fuel. On the commercial application of the technology is silent, but it is unlikely we will see a similar alternative to solar panels in the foreseeable future.