Integrated photosystem II-based photo-bioelectrochemical cells

Nat Commun. 2012 Mar 13:3:742. doi: 10.1038/ncomms1741.

Abstract

Photosynthesis is a sustainable process that converts light energy into chemical energy. Substantial research efforts are directed towards the application of the photosynthetic reaction centres, photosystems I and II, as active components for the light-induced generation of electrical power or fuel products. Nonetheless, no integrated photo-bioelectrochemical device that produces electrical power, upon irradiation of an aqueous solution that includes two inter-connected electrodes is known. Here we report the assembly of photobiofuel cells that generate electricity upon irradiation of biomaterial-functionalized electrodes in aqueous solutions. The cells are composed of electrically contacted photosystem II-functionalized photoanodes and an electrically wired bilirubin oxidase/carbon nanotubes-modified cathode. Illumination of the photoanodes yields the oxidation of water to O(2) and the transfer of electrons through the external circuit to the cathode, where O(2) is re-reduced to water.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzoquinones / chemistry
  • Benzoquinones / metabolism
  • Bioelectric Energy Sources*
  • Cyanobacteria / enzymology
  • Cyanobacteria / metabolism
  • Electricity
  • Electrodes
  • Light*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / analysis
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors / chemistry
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors / metabolism
  • Photosynthesis*
  • Photosystem II Protein Complex / chemistry
  • Photosystem II Protein Complex / metabolism*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / metabolism

Substances

  • Benzoquinones
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Photosystem II Protein Complex
  • Polymers
  • quinone
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-CH Group Donors
  • bilirubin oxidase