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Photosynthetic biohybrid systems for solar fuels catalysis

Journal Article · · ChemComm
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/d4cc00774c· OSTI ID:2569703
Photosynthetic reaction center (RC) proteins are finely tuned molecular systems optimized for solar energy conversion. RCs effectively capture and convert sunlight with near unity quantum efficiency utilizing light-induced directional electron transfer through a series of molecular cofactors embedded within the protein core to generate a long-lived charge separated state with a useable electrochemical potential. Of current interest are new strategies that couple RC chemistry to the direct synthesis of energy-rich compounds. This Feature Article highlights recent work from our lab on RC and RC-inspired hybrid systems that capture the Sun's energy and convert it to chemical energy in the form of H2, a carbon-neutral energy source derived from water. Further, biohybrids made from the Photosystem I (PSI) RC are among the best photocatalytic H2-producing protein hybrids to date. Targeted self-assembly strategies that couple abiotic catalysts to PSI translate to catalyst incorporation at intrinsic PSI sites within thylakoid membranes to achieve complete solar water-splitting systems. RC-inspired biohybrids interface synthetic photosensitizers and molecular catalysts with small proteins to create photocatalytic systems and enable the spectroscopic discernment of the structural features and electron transfer processes that underpin solar-driven proton reduction. In total, these studies showcase the incredible scientific opportunities photosynthetic biohybrid research provides for harnessing the optimal qualities of both artificial and natural photosynthetic systems and developing materials that capture, convert, and store solar energy as a fuel.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division (CSGB)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
2569703
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2439645
Journal Information:
ChemComm, Journal Name: ChemComm Journal Issue: 77 Vol. 60; ISSN 1359-7345; ISSN 1364-548X
Publisher:
Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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