Continuous Light-Induced Water Oxidation in Polyoxometalate-Based Photocatalytic Protocells and Prototissues

Area of Science:

• Artificial photosynthesis
• Materials science
• Chemical engineering

Background:

• Artificial photosynthesis aims to mimic natural processes for energy production.
• Developing efficient and stable artificial systems for water oxidation remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer robust artificial cells (protocells) for light-assisted water oxidation.
• To assemble these protocells into functional tissue-like structures.
• To enhance photocatalytic efficiency through collective behavior.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of protocells via membranization of polymer/nucleotide coacervate droplets.
• Incorporation of a bio-inspired Ruthenium-based polyoxometalate (POM) catalyst.
• Electrostatically assembling protocells into sheets and spheroids.

Main Results:

• Protocells demonstrated continuous light-assisted water oxidation at room temperature.
• Assembled protocellular structures showed enhanced photocatalytic water oxidation rates.
• The system integrates photocatalysis, cytomimetics, and bottom-up engineering.

Conclusions:

• Engineered protocells offer a viable platform for artificial photosynthesis.
• Assembly into larger structures boosts photocatalytic performance.
• This work advances modular photosynthetic active matter for energy capture.