Solar energy conversion in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell

摘要

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