Artificial plants generate power and cut indoor CO2 by 90%

On average, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and the air we breathe at work, school or home affects our overall health and well-being. Most air purification systems, however, are expensive, cumbersome and require frequent cleaning or filter replacement to function at optimum levels.

Binghamton University, State University of New York Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi and PhD student Maryam Rezaie are repurposing their research
about bacteria-powered biobatteries –  ingestible and otherwise – into a new idea for artificial plants that can feed off carbon dioxide, give off oxygen and even generate a little power. 

The artificial plants use indoor light to drive photosynthesis, achieving a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide levels – far surpassing the 10 percent reduction seen with natural plants.

“Especially after going through COVID-19, we know the significance
of indoor air quality,” said Choi, a faculty member in the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

“Many sources can generate very toxic materials, like building materials and carpets. We breathe out and breathe in, and that builds up carbon dioxide levels. Also, there are risks from cooking and infiltration from the outdoors.”

Using five biological solar cells and their
photosynthetic bacteria, Choi and Rezaie created an artificial leaf “for fun”, and then realised the concept has wider implications. They built the first plant with five leaves, and then tested its carbon dioxide capture rates and oxygen generation capability.

Although power generation around 140µW is a secondary benefit, Choi hopes to improve the technology to achieve a minimum output of more than 1mW. 

He also wants to integrate
an energy storage system, such as lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors.

“I want to be able to use this electricity to charge a cell phone or other practical uses,” he said.

Other upgrades could include using multiple bacteria species to ensure long-term viability and developing ways to minimise maintenance, such as water and nutrient delivery systems.

“With some fine-tuning, these artificial plants could be a part of every household,” Choi said. “The benefits of this idea are easy to see.”