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4th generation biofuels: Solar fuels: Artificial leaf and Photosheets
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- This is application of synthetic biology to make biofuels.
- The approach includes mimic the biological process of photosynthesis to make energy-rich fuels. (Artificial photosynthesis)
- Currently there are two types of technologies performing artificial photosynthesis namely artificial leaf which produces syngas and photosheet technology which produces formic acid.
- Artificial leaf is a silicon-device powered by sunlight which produces synthesis gas (SynGas) by capturing CO2 form atmosphere or flue gas from power plants.
- While artificial leaf is a cleaner way to produce syngas their main limitation is its produces gas and takes an extra effort to store it in the form of liquid.

- Photosheet technology on the other hand produces formic acid which is stored as a liquid fuel.
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