Bioelectrocatalysis
is an interdisciplinary research field combining
biocatalysis and electrocatalysis via the utilization of materials
derived from biological systems as catalysts to catalyze the redox
reactions occurring at an electrode. Bioelectrocatalysis synergistically
couples the merits of both biocatalysis and electrocatalysis. The
advantages of biocatalysis include high activity, high selectivity,
wide substrate scope, and mild reaction conditions. The advantages
of electrocatalysis include the possible utilization of renewable
electricity as an electron source and high energy conversion efficiency.
These properties are integrated to achieve selective biosensing, efficient
energy conversion, and the production of diverse products. This review
seeks to systematically and comprehensively detail the fundamentals,
analyze the existing problems, summarize the development status and
applications, and look toward the future development directions of
bioelectrocatalysis. First, the structure, function, and modification
of bioelectrocatalysts are discussed. Second, the essentials of bioelectrocatalytic
systems, including electron transfer mechanisms, electrode materials,
and reaction medium, are described. Third, the application of bioelectrocatalysis
in the fields of biosensors, fuel cells, solar cells, catalytic mechanism
studies, and bioelectrosyntheses of high-value chemicals are systematically
summarized. Finally, future developments and a perspective on bioelectrocatalysis
are suggested.
We demonstrate a novel hydrogel material to facilitate direct bioelectrochemistry of a wide range of redox proteins and enable ATP-independent electroenzymatic reduction of N2 by nitrogenase.
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