5 materials that could change the world

Nickel-molybdenum-zinc

Even in compound terms, nikel-molybdenum-zinc needs a new name, but it's on the cusp of making artificial leaves an affordable reality. The leaves, which split water into hydrogen and oxygen, have previously relied on expensive materials like platinum. The robo-leaves could lead to mass production that will provide a supply of hydrogen for electric fuel – and a future with a steady sustainable energy supply.