Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., May 21, 2008 Iyyar 16, 5768 | | Israel Time: 01:31 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

What's green and makes electricity? An artificial leaf By Ofri Ilani Photosynthesis is nearly the sole source of energy for the creatures inhabiting our planet, include the two-legged variety. For billions of years, since the appearance of the first vegetable cell, plants and bacteria have converted sunlight into energy-rich compounds. That is how all petroleum and coal reserves were created. Unfortunately, about 200 years of post-Industrial Revolution activity has wiped out most of these, and today's vegetation cannot take up the slack. Photovoltaic cells made of silicon can convert solar energy to electricity, but due to their extremely high price, it costs four times more to generate power this way than with coal or petroleum. Now, researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) claim to have created a prototype of a photovoltaic cell by genetically engineering proteins that produce energy using photosynthesis. If successful, this would enable energy production on a commercial scale through the construction of "artificial leaves." The cells would even appear green, because of the wavelength of the light that they collect. Advertisement The new technology, developed by a team headed by TAU biochemist Prof. Chanoch Carmeli, will be presented tomorrow at an international conference, Renewable Energy and Beyond, that opens today at the university's Ramat Aviv campus. Former U.S. vice president Al Gore is to attend the conference. The new photovoltaic device is based on a genetically engineered dry protein, photosystem I (PS I), created from bacteria that carry out photosynthesis. "On its own, nature creates for us materials that collect the sun's energy, and all we need to do is extract them from the bacteria and use them," said Prof. Abraham Kribus, TAU's coordinator for renewable energy. "These materials do exactly the same thing as silicon-based photovoltaic cells - they collect sunlight and create an electrical charge." The project draws from several different branches of the sciences. In the first stage, the researchers grew cells that can produce large quantities of the PS I protein. "We introduced genetic changes into bacteria so that the proteins they create can bond to a substrate bottom metal and be suited for use," Carmeli explained. The most complex stage involved placing the protein molecules on the substrate, all facing the same direction. Next, the surface was coated with a suitable conducting material. Electrical wires were then connected to the cells, which produced an electrical charge when exposed to light. The research team includes Carmeli's son, Dr. Itai Carmeli, an expert in nanotechnology, as well as Dr. Shachar Richter and Prof. Yossi Rosenwaks. The research is still in its early stages, and so far the team has only created a microscopic cell that produces a tiny amount of energy. Kribus said it is too early to talk about the total cost of producing electricity on a commercial scale using the new method. "Creating a complete cell will require processing stages that will require more time to develop," he said. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fear of extinction The state of over 20 species of birds in Israel has worsened considerably. Taking advantage Jerusalem police probe possible gang rape of disabled woman.

Read & React Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza could take effect later this week Responses: 87 Amos Harel: Iran's fingerprints all over Gaza strife Responses: 75 McCain blasts Obama for Iran threat comments Responses: 151 Jerusalem, Petah Tikva ban 'Sex in the City' film adverts Responses: 64 More Headlines 21:37 Supreme Court denies Olmert bid to block testimony against him 23:29 Western Negev council heads implore PM to stop Qassam fire 23:45 Five Palestinians killed in IAF strikes on Gaza 00:03 Al Gore says Israel should lead the way in renewable energy 20:36 Top U.S. military officer says Iran jeopardizing peace in Iraq 19:55 Israeli historians gather in Albania to study how country's Jews escaped Holocaust 21:41 Comptroller: Olmert waited 18 months to make decision on Darfur refugees 21:51 Ashkelon Mayor Roni Mahatzri investigated for sexual assault 01:20 No coordination or sensitivity in dealing with Ethiopian immigrants 00:57 U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy diagnosed with malignant brain tumor 18:04 Orthodox Jewish youths burn New Testaments in Or Yehuda Previous Editions Select Day 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may 07 may

Special Offers Advertisement Dead Sea Products Buy Dead Sea mineral skin care and beauty products. Coupon code Haaretz for 10% off. Istudy Learn Hebrew in 3 months The Terraces Your Ultimate Coastal Address On Nitza Boulevard, North Netanya Together Celebrating Israel's 60th The Jewish Agency and You - together making history Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved