Synthetic routes to multiporphyrin arrays.

The Clostridium acetobutylicum [FeFe]-hydrogenase HydA has been investigated as a hydrogen production catalyst in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell. Hydrogenase was adsorbed to pyrolytic graphite edge and carbon felt electrodes. Cyclic voltammograms of the immobilized hydrogenase films reveal cathodic proton reduction and anodic hydrogen oxidation, with a catalytic bias toward hydrogen evolution. When corrected for the electrochemically active surface area, the cathodic current densities are similar for both carbon electrodes, and ∼40% of those obtained with a platinum electrode. The high surface area carbon felt/hydrogenase electrode was subsequently used as the cathode in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell. Under illumination, this device is able to oxidize a biofuel substrate and reduce protons to hydrogen. Similar photocurrents and hydrogen production rates were observed in the photoelectrochemical biofuel cell using either hydrogenase or platinum cathodes.

[FeFe]-Hydrogenase-Catalyzed H2 Production in a Photoelectrochemical Biofuel Cell

This review highlights recent studies of synthetic, covalently linked multicomponent molecular devices which mimic aspects of photosynthetic electron transfer. After an introduction to the topic, some of the salient features of natural bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers are described. Elementary electron transfer theory is briefly discussed in order to provide a framework for the discussion which follows. Early work with covalently linked photosynthetic models is then mentioned, with references to recent reviews. The bulk of the discussion concerns current progress with various triad (three-part) molecules. Finally, some even more complex multicomponent molecules are examined. The discussion will endeavor to point out aspects of photoinitiated electron transfer which are unique to the multicomponent species, and some of the considerations important to the design, synthesis and photochemical study of such molecules.

Photosynthetic model systems

7 – Aggregation of Porphyrins and Metalloporphyrins

Both dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical solar cells and biofuel cells are promising candidates for production of renewable energy. We have combined these two approaches into a single hybrid cell. ...

Josephine Kwong

Papers

Synthesis of covalently linked porphyrin dimers and trimers