Photocurrent Generation from Immobilized Anahaena variabilis on the Carbon Soot-coated Electrode with an Aid of Thionin

摘要

Solar energy conversion based on photosynthesis using biological systems such as photosystems and thylakoid membranes (TMs) to electricity has drawn much attention. Since all the components are already optimally arranged, direct utilization of those systems could provide an easy and efficient way of generating electricity. For example, the Z-scheme of light reactions is highly efficient in utilizing solar light whose quantum efficiency reaches almost unity. Therefore many ingenious methods have been devised to draw electrons from the Z-scheme to the electrode. Despite extensive research, however, a lot of problems have been pointed out when those systems are employed. Among them are tedious separation procedures and limited lifetime, which hinder these biosystems from being implemented in the real world.