Biomimetic Approach to Solar Energy Conversion: Artificial Photosynthesis

摘要

Results of efforts to devise apparatus and systems for using solar energy for chemical purposes by methods that mimic those used by photosynthetic organisms are reported. Sufficient progress has been made in the understanding of plant photosynthesis to make artificial photosynthesis a reasonable goal. Artificial photoreaction centers, the apparatus used by photosynthetic organisms for light energy conversion to chemical oxidizing and reducing capacity, have been made in the laboratory. The synthetic reaction centers mimic with remarkable fidelity the properties of their in vivo prototypes. Some of the formidable problems that must still be solved and the future prospects for biomimetic devices for solar energy conversion are discussed. (ERA citation 03:047082)