Biomimetic approach to solar energy conversion: artificial photosynthesis

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:7043567

Katz, J J

Results of efforts to devise apparatus and systems for using solar energy for chemical purposes by methods that mimic those used by photosynthetic organisms are reported. Sufficient progress has been made in the understanding of plant photosynthesis to make artificial photosynthesis a reasonable goal. Artificial photoreaction centers, the apparatus used by photosynthetic organisms for light energy conversion to chemical oxidizing and reducing capacity, have been made in the laboratory. The synthetic reaction centers mimic with remarkable fidelity the properties of their in vivo prototypes. Some of the formidable problems that must still be solved and the future prospects for biomimetic devices for solar energy conversion are discussed.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., Ill. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 7043567
• Report Number(s): CONF-780222-5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ANALOG SYSTEMS
BIOMIMETIC PROCESSES
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLOROPHYLL
ELECTRON TRANSFER
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PHYTOCHROMES
PIGMENTS
PORPHYRINS
SIMULATORS
SYNTHESIS