Biomimetic approaches to artificial photosynthesis

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Biotechnol. Bioeng. Symp.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5901421

Katz, J J; Wasielewski, M R

The utilization of solar energy for chemical purposes rather than as a heat source or in competition with various nuclear technologies for the production of electricity is discussed. Some of the salient features of artificial photosynthesis as a general approach to solar energy conversion are surveyed. All the important biological processes that may ultinately serve as models for biomimetic technologies are solar energy powered. A biomimetic technology is sharply focused on a single limited objective, in contradistinction to a living organism for which survival and reproduction are permanent goals. Any single objective of a biomimetic technology should ultimately be capable of achieving a higher intrinsic efficiency than its prototype in vivo. Biomimetic approaches to solar-energy conversion are directed to the development of completely synthetic (inanimate, abiotic systems for light energy conversion that mimic the light energy conversion process in vivo). They thus differ in a basic way from biomass production by plants or devices. The extent to which successful mimicing as in vivo process in vitro depends on the extent of the understanding of the process in nature. A detailed discussion of photosynthesis was included. The synthesis of biomimetic chlorophyll special pairs was discussed. The chlorophyll special pair is only a portion of a naturally occurring photoreaction center. The electron transport needs future development for biomimetic technology to be useful for solar energy conversion. 11 figures, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL
• OSTI ID: 5901421
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Biotechnol. Bioeng. Symp.; (United States) Journal Volume: 8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
14 SOLAR ENERGY
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
140505 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion-- (1980-)
550200 -- Biochemistry
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BIOMIMETIC PROCESSES
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLOROPHYLL
CONVERSION
ENERGY CONVERSION
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PHYTOCHROMES
PIGMENTS
PORPHYRINS
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SYNTHESIS