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Sustaining Electron Transfer Pathways Extends Biohybrid Photoelectrode Stability to Years
Vincent M Friebe1,2, Agata J Barszcz1, Michael R Jones3
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|March 18, 2022
Summary
Researchers enhanced the stability of bio-photovoltaic devices using photosynthetic proteins. This breakthrough extends operational lifetime to years, paving the way for sustainable solar energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Bio-inspired energy conversion
- Photosynthetic protein engineering
- Biohybrid photovoltaics
Background:
- Photosynthetic proteins offer a sustainable route for solar energy conversion.
- Protein stability in biohybrid architectures limits device operational lifetime to hours.
Purpose of the Study:
- To significantly enhance the stability and operational lifetime of biophotoelectrodes.
- To investigate the role of architecture in photoprotein stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the RC-LH1 photoprotein from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.
- Engineered a mesoporous electrode architecture to preserve electron transfer pathways.
- Tested device stability under continuous high-light and after storage.
Main Results:
- Extended operational lifetime under continuous high-light to 33 days.
- Achieved operational stability exceeding two years after storage.
- Reached peak photocurrents of 4.6 mA cm⁻² and cumulative output of 86 C cm⁻².
Conclusions:
- Device architecture is the primary factor limiting photoprotein stability.
- Biohybrid sensors and photovoltaic devices with multi-year operational lifetimes are feasible.
- This work sets a new benchmark for performance in bio-photovoltaic devices.
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