Scientists at Cambridge University have created a biohybrid device that mimics photosynthesis to turn carbon dioxide and water into formate, a clean liquid fuel. Unlike previous artificial leaf designs, this version uses non-toxic organic semiconductors and bacteria-derived enzymes to improve stability and efficiency. The research demonstrates a potential path for decarbonizing the chemical industry by replacing fossil-fuel feedstocks with solar-powered carbon capture. The team successfully used the resulting formate to synthesize pharmaceutical compounds, proving the system can integrate into real-world manufacturing chains.
