Artificial-photosynthesis technology break through

Toshiba has developed technology to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into an energy source at the highest efficiency to date, with a goal of commercializing it in 2020.

The artificial-photosynthesis technology combines a semiconductor with a gold catalyst. Oxygen and hydrogen ions are generated from water by applying sunlight to the semiconductor. The catalyst then creates carbon monoxide through a reaction between the carbon dioxide and the hydrogen ions. The carbon monoxide can be processed into such fuels as methanol.

Carbon dioxide from power plants and factories could be converted into fuel for factories and cars. Its 1.5% conversion efficiency is comparable to algae's and beats the 0.3% record previously set by Panasonic.

Toshiba hopes to clear technological challenges to realize the 10% conversion efficiency believed necessary for commercialization. The company also plans to make the material more durable for long-term use.