Bioelectrocatalysis for solar fuels and sustainable energy

Abstract

Bioelectrocatalysis has emerged as an important area in the transition to sustainable energy, offering a green and efficient way for producing solar fuels, bioelectricity, and value-added chemicals. This review presents a comprehensive roadmap for bioelectrocatalytic systems, focusing on key enzymes, microorganisms, and bioelectrochemical processes that drive these technologies. Enzymes such as hydrogenases and nitrogenases play essential roles in hydrogen production and renewable nitrogen fixation, while photosynthetic microorganisms like cyanobacteria are suitable for biophotovoltaic applications. Recent advances in electrode materials, genetic engineering of biocatalysts, and nanomaterial integration have significantly improved electron transfer efficiency and biocatalyst stability. The use of bioelectrochemical systems, including mediated and direct electron transfer mechanisms, offers enhanced performance for applications ranging from microbial fuel cells to CO₂ reduction and artificial photosynthesis. Despite the progress, challenges remain in optimizing biocatalyst stability, improving large-scale industrial applicability, and integrating bioelectrocatalysis with solar energy systems. This review highlights these advancements and addresses future directions, emphasizing the role of bioelectrocatalysis in developing a circular bio-economy and sustainable energy infrastructure.