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Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Developing Photosensitizer-Cobaloxime Hybrids for Solar-Driven H2 Production in Aqueous Aerobic Conditions
Published on: October 5, 2019
Molecular-Modified Photocathodes for Applications in Artificial Photosynthesis and Solar-to-Fuel Technologies
Edgar A Reyes Cruz1, Daiki Nishiori1, Brian L Wadsworth1
1School of Molecular Sciences and the Biodesign Institute Center for Applied Structural Discovery (CASD), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1604, United States.
Abstract:
Nature offers inspiration for developing technologies that integrate the capture, conversion, and storage of solar energy. In this review article, we highlight principles of natural photosynthesis and artificial photosynthesis, drawing comparisons between solar energy transduction in biology and emerging solar-to-fuel technologies. Key features of the biological approach include use of earth-abundant elements and molecular interfaces for driving photoinduced charge separation reactions that power chemical transformations at global scales. For the artificial systems described in this review, emphasis is placed on advancements involving hybrid photocathodes that power fuel-forming reactions using molecular catalysts interfaced with visible-light-absorbing semiconductors.
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