Issue 45, 2009

Solar energy conversion in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell

Abstract

A photoelectrochemical biofuel cell has been developed which incorporates aspects of both an enzymatic biofuel cell and a dye-sensitized solar cell. Photon absorption at a porphyrin-sensitized n-type semiconductor electrode gives rise to a charge-separated state. Electrons and holes are shuttled to appropriate cathodic and anodic catalysts, respectively, allowing the production of electricity, or a reduced fuel, via the photochemical oxidation of a biomass-derived substrate. The operation of this device is reviewed. The use of alternate anodic redox mediators provides insight regarding loss mechanisms in the device. Design strategies for enhanced performance are discussed.

Graphical abstract: Solar energy conversion in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
22 Jun 2009
Accepted
22 Sep 2009
First published
15 Oct 2009

Dalton Trans., 2009, 9979-9989

Solar energy conversion in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell

M. Hambourger, G. Kodis, M. D. Vaughn, G. F. Moore, D. Gust, A. L. Moore and T. A. Moore, Dalton Trans., 2009, 9979 DOI: 10.1039/B912170F

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