Imagine having a fuel pump in your driveway that uses photosynthesis, the same process plants use to feed themselves, to turn carbon dioxide into fuel for your car. It’s not science fiction: research groups all over the world have been working to develop artificial photosynthesis, which could greatly reduce our dependence on crude oil and make use of the growing amount of manmade carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. The concept received a nod from US President Barack Obama when he mentioned “turning sunlight into liquid fuel” in his State of the Union speech in January. Despite carmakers’ efforts to roll out electric cars, liquid fuels aren’t likely to disappear any time soon. First of all, drivers are comfortable with – and accustomed to – their internal combustion engine vehicles and the process of finding gas stations and filling up a tank. And even if everyone decided to switch to electric cars tomorrow, they wouldn’t be likely to get rid of their conventional cars right away, given that cars often last 10-15 years.

Read More at www.theguardian.com