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Elucidating Energy Conversion Pathways at Biotic/Abiotic Interfaces in Microbe-Semiconductor Hybrids
Weidong Zhang1,2, Chenwei Xiong3, Peng Chen4
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore.
Abstract:
Biotic/abiotic hybrid systems integrating microbes with light-absorbing semiconductor materials offer promising solutions for sustainable energy conversion and value-added chemical production. In this Perspective, we discuss the mechanistic insights into upstream energy conversion processes at the biotic-abiotic interfaces, underscoring their pivotal roles in determining biohybrid performance. We explore how biological, physicochemical, and electrochemical characterization techniques have advanced our understanding of energy conversion pathways and electron transport mechanisms within these complex systems. Moreover, we emphasize the growing importance of spatiotemporally resolved imaging in linking biological activity to physicochemical dynamics at the single-cell level. Moving forward, we propose that interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative methodologies will be critical in deepening the mechanistic understanding and unlocking the full potential of artificial photosynthetic biohybrid systems.
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Schottky barriers arise when a metal with a work function (Φm) contacts a semiconductor with a different work function (Φs). Initially, electrons transfer until the Fermi levels of the metal and semiconductor align at equilibrium. For instance, if Φm > Φs, the semiconductor Fermi level is higher than the metal's before contact. The...
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