Photochemical Solar Energy Conversion. An Assessment of Scientific Accomplishments.

摘要

Research on photochemical solar energy conversion has grown exponentially. Basic sciences have benefited most from this research. The tenet of the present Feature Article is that solar energy research has appreciably contributed to the ongoing renaissance of colloid chemistry and to the development of ever more sophisticated models for light-sensitized distance-controlled electron transfers. The need for compartmentalizing components of the photosynthetic apparatus-sensitizers: electron donors, acceptors, and relays; and catalysts-has focussed attention to microheterogeneous systems. Micelles, monolayers, organized multilayers, vesicles, polymerized vesicles, and dispersed colloidal semiconductors have been used as molecular organizers in artificial photosynthesis. Properties and potentials of these systems have been summarized. Emphasis has been placed on insights gained through photochemical investigations. Electron-transfer studies in covalently linked porphyrin-quinone, carotenoid polyene-porphyrin-quinone model compounds, and proteins have been summarized. (Reprints)