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强化训练05 阅读理解(五) (45分钟，100分) A Recently, researchers have announced a breakthrough in the exploration of new energy－development of the first practical artificial leaf, an advanced solar cell that imitates the process, called photosynthesis(光合作用), that green plants use to make sunlight and water into energy. “A practical artificial leaf has been a dream of scientists for decades，” said Daniel Nocera, who led the research team. “We believe we have made it. The artificial leaf shows particular promise as an inexpensive source of electricity for homes of the poor in developing countries. One can imagine villages in India and Africa soon purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology. ” The leaf is like the shape of a poker card but thinner. Placed in water in a bright sunlight, it could produce enough electricity to supply a house in a developing country with electricity for a day by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, which are stored in a fuel cell to produce electricity. The “artificial leaf” is not a new concept. The first artificial leaf was developed more than a decade ago by John Turner. However, it was impractical for wider use, as it was composed of rare, expensive metals and was highly unstable with a lifespan of barely one day. Nocera's new leaf overcomes these problems. | 
