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Limits on Natural Photosynthesis.

Rienk van Grondelle1, Egbert Boeker1

  • 1Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Exact Sciences, VU University , De Boelelaan 1081, NL-1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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|July 6, 2017
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nature's photosynthesis avoids far-infrared light (>900 nm) due to nighttime back reactions. This thermodynamic limit restricts artificial photosynthesis and silicon solar cells to wavelengths below approximately 900 nm.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Photovoltaics
  • Thermodynamics

Background:

  • Solar spectrum utilization in natural photosynthesis is limited, excluding far-infrared wavelengths (>900 nm).
  • This spectral region contains a significant portion (approx. 30%) of incoming solar energy.
  • Understanding these limitations is crucial for developing efficient artificial photosynthetic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explain the thermodynamic basis for the natural photosynthesis spectral limit.
  • To establish the theoretical wavelength limit for artificial photosynthesis.
  • To assess the applicability of this limit to silicon-based solar cells.

Main Methods:

  • Thermodynamic analysis of reaction kinetics.
  • Evaluation of energy losses due to back reactions.
  • Spectral analysis of solar energy distribution.

Main Results:

  • Thermodynamic arguments demonstrate that unavoidable back reactions during nighttime prevent the utilization of far-infrared light (λ > 900 nm).
  • A natural wavelength limit of approximately 900 nm is established for efficient artificial photosynthesis.
  • This 900 nm limit is also applicable to two-tandem silicon solar cells.

Conclusions:

  • The spectral limit of natural photosynthesis is dictated by thermodynamic constraints, specifically nighttime back reactions.
  • Artificial photosynthesis systems and silicon solar cells should be designed to operate below the ~900 nm threshold for optimal efficiency.
  • This finding provides a fundamental guideline for the development of next-generation solar energy technologies.