Spatially Separated Photosystem II and a Silicon Photoelectrochemical Cell for Overall Water Splitting: A Natural–Artificial Photosynthetic Hybrid

Integrating natural and artificial photosynthetic platforms is an important approach to developing solar‐driven hybrid systems with exceptional function over the individual components. A natural–artificial photosynthetic hybrid platform is formed by wiring photosystem II (PSII) and a platinum‐decorated silicon photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell in a tandem manner based on a photocatalytic‐PEC Z‐scheme design. Although the individual components cannot achieve overall water splitting, the hybrid platform demonstrated the capability of unassisted solar‐driven overall water splitting. Moreover, H2 and O2 evolution can be separated in this system, which is ascribed to the functionality afforded by the unconventional Z‐scheme design. Furthermore, the tandem configuration and the spatial separation between PSII and artificial components provide more opportunities to develop efficient natural–artificial hybrid photosynthesis systems.