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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Solar-Driven Electrochemical Green Fuel Production from CO2 and Water Using Ti3C2Tx MXene-Supported CuZn and NiCo Catalysts
Published on: November 7, 2025
Solar energy conversion in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell
Michael Hambourger1, Gerdenis Kodis, Michael D Vaughn
1Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1604, USA.
Abstract:
A photoelectrochemical biofuel cell has been developed which incorporates aspects of both an enzymatic biofuel cell and a dye-sensitized solar cell. Photon absorption at a porphyrin-sensitized n-type semiconductor electrode gives rise to a charge-separated state. Electrons and holes are shuttled to appropriate cathodic and anodic catalysts, respectively, allowing the production of electricity, or a reduced fuel, via the photochemical oxidation of a biomass-derived substrate. The operation of this device is reviewed. The use of alternate anodic redox mediators provides insight regarding loss mechanisms in the device. Design strategies for enhanced performance are discussed.
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