Advancing the fundamental understanding and practical applications of photo-bioelectrocatalysis

Chem Commun (Camb). 2020 Aug 7;56(61):8553-8568. doi: 10.1039/d0cc02672g. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Abstract

Photo-bioelectrocatalysis combines the natural and highly sophisticated process of photosynthesis in biological entities with an abiotic electrode surface, to perform semi-artificial photosynthesis. However, challenges must be overcome, from the establishment and understanding of the photoexcited electron harvesting process at the electrode to the electrochemical characterization of these biotic/abiotic systems, and their subsequent tuning for enhancing energy generation (chemical and/or electrical). This Feature Article discusses the various approaches utilized to tackle these challenges, particularly focusing on powerful multi-disciplinary approaches for understanding and improving photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Among them is the combination of experimental evidence and quantum mechanical calculations, the use of bioinformatics to understand photo-bioelectrocatalysis at a metabolic level, or bioengineering to improve and facilitate photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Key aspects for the future development of photo-bioelectrocatalysis are presented alongside future research needs and promising applications of semi-artificial photosynthesis.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Catalysis
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Electron Transport
  • Light*
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes / chemistry
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photosynthesis
  • Proteobacteria / metabolism
  • Quantum Theory
  • Renewable Energy*
  • Thylakoids / chemistry
  • Thylakoids / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes