In a revolutionary leap that could transform solar power from a marginal alternative into a mainstream energy source, MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: storing energy for use when the sun doesn't shine. Inspired by the photosynthesis performed by plants, Daniel Nocera, Professor of Energy at MIT, and Matthew Kanan, a postdoctoral fellow in Nocera's lab, have developed an unprecedented process that will allow the sun's energy to be used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Later, the oxygen and hydrogen may be recombined inside a fuel cell, creating carbon-free electricity to power your house or your electric car, day or night. According to the institute’s press release, the key component in Nocera and Kanan's new process is a new catalyst that works at room temperature, in neutral pH water, and is easy to set up.