Recent advances in artificial photosynthetic systems at Newcastle University

Abstract

This review covers the most significant research done by the grouping of scientists working at Newcastle University during the last five years in the area of artificial photosynthesis. In particular, it tackles aspects of light harvesting in molecular systems and solid state materials, photocatalysis in homogeneous and heterogenous phase, and the fabrication of photoelectrochemical devices for the generation of hydrogen.

Pyridyl-Anchored Type BODIPY Sensitizer-TiO2 Photocatalyst for Enhanced Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

“…In recent years, BODIPY has attracted attention as a skeleton of photocatalysts. For hydrogen production, there have been reports on the introduction of molecular catalysts [15][16][17] and MOFs [18,19] into partial skeletons, dye-sensitized oxidation [20], CO 2 reduction [21], and other photocatalytic reactions [22][23][24][25][26][27]. Kubo et al have developed a donor-acceptor dye by using π-extended BODIPY as the photo-donor site and have developed it into a dye-sensitized TiO 2 photocatalyst to achieve efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production [28].…”

Luminescent Dye Molecules for New Photonic Antennae

“…(Yu et al, 2019) The basic structure of this natural antenna molecule comprises a central magnesium (II) ion surrounded by a porphyrin ring (four modified pyrrole subunits interconnected at the alpha carbon via methine bridges) and a hydrophobic tail (see Figure 1). Much progress has been achieved in terms of understanding the functions, energetics, dynamics, compositions and structures of natural photosynthetic light harvesting arrays, even though some essential issues are yet resolved (Farràs & Cucinotta, 2017). The major chemistry behind has been identified at a sufficient level of understanding to allow the invention of artificial analogues that could promote technological advancement in solar energy conversions, molecular-based photoelectronics, generation of renewable fuel and electricity and a variety of other applications (Fang et al, 2018).…”