Photosynthetic Energy Conversion: Recent Advances and Future Perspective

Photosynthetic energy conversion offers great potential because of its unprecedented ability to convert solar energy to energy-rich molecules using water and CO2. Inspired by this astounding natural process, many efforts have been undertaken by researchers to generate biofuels such as ethanol, hydrogen, etc., and electricity in photo-bioelectrochemical cell (PBEC). Such a device use thylakoids or photosystems isolated from photosynthetic organisms or the whole cell photosynthetic microorganism itself as biocatalysts on the electrode. Recent developments in the area of PBEC include the development of various nanostructured support matrices as biocatalyst supports, employing redox mediators for assisting electrochemical reactions and designing micro-scale miniaturized devices. However major performance breakthroughs in terms of stability, power density and efficiency are needed to make this technology competitive to silicon photovoltaics. Interdisciplinary approach involving genetic engineering, material science and electrochemistry could address the existing challenges to move this technology forward.