Functionalized gold-nanoparticles enhance photosystem II driven photocurrent in a hybrid nano-bio-photoelectrochemical cell

The use of photosystem II (PSII) in hybrid bio-photoelectrochemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electrical current is hampered by PSII's narrow absorption cross-section and the generally poor electrical connection between isolated complex and different anode materials. Here, we merg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Materials for energy and sustainability, 2021-08, Vol.9 (32), p.17231-17241
Main Authors: Shoyhet, Hagit, Pavlopoulos, Nicholas G, Amirav, Lilac, Adir, Noam
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorption cross sections
Anodes
Chemical evolution
Chlorophyll
Electrode materials
Electron transfer
Gold
Irradiation
Nanoparticles
Photoelectric effect
Photoelectric emission
Photoelectrochemical devices
Photosystem II
Quinones
Radiation
Solar energy
Solar energy conversion
Spinach
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Summary:The use of photosystem II (PSII) in hybrid bio-photoelectrochemical cells for conversion of solar energy to electrical current is hampered by PSII's narrow absorption cross-section and the generally poor electrical connection between isolated complex and different anode materials. Here, we merge isolated market-grade spinach PSII with 25 nm cystamine-2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (cys-DCBQ) modified Au-nanoparticles (PSII-AuNP Cys-DCBQ ) to obtain one of the highest reported photocurrent values to date (35 mA cm −2 mg −1 chlorophyll), retaining the native oxygen evolution properties of PSII. More than 80% of the PSII in solution assembles stably onto the AuNP Cys-DCBQ . Spectroscopic studies show strong functional association in these hybrid particles. Mechanistic investigations reveal a dual role of the quinone-modified AuNPs, harvesting and transference of the excitation energy to PSII (resulting in ∼10-fold enhancement of anodic photocurrent in the 500-550 nm irradiation range) and simultaneously improving the electron transfer from PSII into the graphite anode (by almost 6-fold over the entire visible range of light). Photosystem II is attached to DCBQ modified Au-nanoparticles and used in hybrid bio-photoelectrochemical cells for efficient conversion of solar energy to electrical current. The modified AuNPs enhance both PSII activity and electrical connectivity.
ISSN:2050-7488
2050-7496
DOI:10.1039/d1ta03350f