Scientists at Binghamton University have engineered artificial plants capable of purifying indoor air and generating small amounts of electricity. This innovative technology promises to enhance both health and energy efficiency in homes and workplaces.
Scientists at Binghamton University have pioneered a groundbreaking development in artificial plant technology. These synthetic plants are not only capable of significantly improving indoor air quality but can also generate electricity, making them a multifaceted solution for healthier and more sustainable living environments.
Indoor air quality has become an increasing concern, especially since Americans spend roughly 90% of their time inside. Traditional air purification systems can be costly and require ongoing maintenance, which often discourages their widespread use.
The researchers — Seokheun “Sean” Choi, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Maryam Rezaie, a doctoral candidate — have repurposed their studies on bacteria-powered biobatteries to devise artificial plants that can serve as both air purifiers and energy sources.
“Especially after going through COVID-19, we know the significance of indoor air quality,” Choi said in a news release. “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.”
In their study, published in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems, Choi and Rezaie demonstrated that their artificial plants achieve a 90% reduction in indoor carbon dioxide levels — a stark improvement over the 10% reduction typically seen with natural plants. The artificial leaves utilize indoor light to drive photosynthesis, producing oxygen and mitigating carbon dioxide buildup.
Beyond air purification, these artificial plants also generate small amounts of electricity, thanks to the biological solar cells embedded within them. Choi and Rezaie’s prototype, which initially started as a “fun” experiment, successfully produced around 140 microwatts of power.
Their long-term goal is to refine this technology to generate over 1 milliwatt and integrate energy storage systems like lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors, enabling practical applications such as charging a cell phone.
“I want to be able to use this electricity to charge a cell phone or other practical uses,” Choi added, highlighting the potential utility of the technology.
Future iterations of this artificial plant technology could include multiple species of photosynthetic bacteria, which would enhance the system’s efficiency and longevity. In addition, ongoing efforts are being made to minimize maintenance, such as developing more effective water and nutrient delivery systems.
“With some fine-tuning, these artificial plants could be a part of every household,” added Choi. “The benefits of this idea are easy to see.”
This innovation signifies a promising step toward more sustainable living solutions, addressing both air quality and energy needs. Choi and Rezaie’s work exemplifies how interdisciplinary research can lead to practical, life-enhancing technologies.