Material science lesson from the biological photosystem

Abstract

Inspired by photosynthesis, artificial systems for a sustainable energy supply are being designed. Each sequential energy conversion process from light to biomass in natural photosynthesis is a valuable model for an energy collection, transport and conversion system. Notwithstanding the numerous lessons of nature that provide inspiration for new developments, the features of natural photosynthesis need to be reengineered to meet man's demands. This review describes recent strategies toward adapting key lessons from natural photosynthesis to artificial systems. We focus on the underlying material science in photosynthesis that combines photosystems as pivotal functional materials and a range of materials into an integrated system. Finally, a perspective on the future development of photosynthesis mimetic energy systems is proposed.

Fig. 1

Energy conversion steps in oxygenic photosynthesis

Fig. 2

Schematic representation of artificial antenna. a Porphyrin based MOFs. b Nanotube constructed by synthetic metal chlorophyll derivatives Adapted with permission from ref [14] and [19], Copyright 2013 and 2016, ACS publications, respectively

Fig. 3

Schematic representation for artificial light harvesting complexes. a Porphyrin-based nanohybrid light harvesting complex. b DNA-porphyrin assembly for light harvesting Adapted with permission from ref [23] and [24]. Copyright 2016 and 2013, ACS publications, respectively

Fig. 4

Immobilization of PSII on carboxylated ITO electrode via electrostatic immobilization (left) and covalent immobilization (right) Adapted with permission from ref [36]. Copyright 2013, ACS publications

Fig. 5

Electron transfer pathway of artificial Z-schematic systems depending on the type of electron mediator. a Using redox ion pairs as a mediator. b Using electron conducting metals as a mediator Adapted with permission from ref [38] and [40]. Copyright 2013 and 2015, WILEY–VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, respectively

Fig. 6

a Homogeneous catalysts for the reduction of carbon dioxide. (left) Mn(bpy-tBu)(CO)₃Br and (right) Iron 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2′,6′-dihydroxylphenyl)-porphyrin. Adapted with permission from ref [61] and [62]. Copyright 2013, ACS publications and 2013 RSC Publishing, respectively. b Morphology of concave RD nanoparticles. SEM image (left) and the corresponding model (right). Adapted with permission from ref [70]. Copyright 2015, ACS publications. c Mechanistic model for the reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide on polycrystalline Au and oxide-derived Au. Adapted with permission from ref [72]. Copyright 2012, ACS publications