Photobioelectrochemistry: Solar Energy Conversion and Biofuel Production with Photosynthetic Catalysts

Abstract

Photobioelectrochemical cells are devices which have been developed over the past few decades and use photosynthetic catalysts for solar energy conversion or biofuel production. In this paper, a critical review of reported photobioelectrochemical systems is presented. The systems discussed include several types of photobioelectrocatalysts: whole cells, organelles, and enzymes. Special attention is paid to power or product generation as well as immobilization and electron transfer strategies used. The issues that need to be addressed in order for such systems to compete with current technologies are also discussed.

Purple Bacteria and 3D Redox Hydrogels for Bioinspired Photo‐bioelectrocatalysis

“…The harvested solar energy could be utilized for power generation, bio‐electrosynthesis, and photo‐biosensor development . Different biological entities have been investigated for this purpose, spanning from isolated cellular or subcellular photosynthetic apparatus to intact photosynthetic organisms, in which all these materials offer different advantages . Isolated photosynthetic apparatus often allow an easier electron transfer process, as their active redox sites are easily accessible; however, maintaining their functionality after immobilization on the electrode surface is challenging .…”

“…[4] Different biological entities have been investigated for this purpose, spanning from isolatedc ellular or subcellular photosynthetic apparatus to intact photosynthetic organisms, [5] in which all thesem aterials offer different advantages. [6] Isolated photosynthetic apparatus often allow an easier electron transfer process,a st heir active redox sites are easily accessible; [7] however,maintaining their functionality after immobilization on the electrode surfacei sc hallenging. [8] In contrast, intact bacterial cells have the advantage of being capable to self-repair and reproduce.…”

The photobioelectrochemical activity of thylakoid bioanodes is increased via photocurrent generation and improved contacts by membrane-intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolytes

“…This requires fewer purification steps and allows better RC stability at the expense of some charge transfer efficiency. 43,44 Two-compartment bio-solar cells constructed from spinach thylakoid bioanodes and laccase biocathodes were recently reported. 42 These approaches, and more, have been critically reviewed.…”

Solar Heat‐Enhanced Energy Conversion in Devices Based on Photosynthetic Membranes and PEDOT:PSS‐Nanocellulose Electrodes

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] With accelerating climate change and growing demand for energy, such bio-based methods have been identified as a promising route toward "green" energy. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] With accelerating climate change and growing demand for energy, such bio-based methods have been identified as a promising route toward "green" energy.…”

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convert solar energy into electricity by leveraging the complex process of photosynthesis, useful both as energy generators and sensors for various physical inputs. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] With accelerating climate change and growing demand for energy, such bio-based methods have been identified as a promising route toward "green" energy. [10] Thylakoid membranes (TMs), the compartments inside chloroplasts, algae, and cyanobacteria in which the light-dependent reactions of the photosynthetic energy conversion are initiated, constitute an interesting model system for biohybrid light-harvesting.

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