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Periasamy V, Jaafar MM, Chandrasekaran K, Talebi S, Ng FL, Phang SM, kumar GG, Iwamoto M. Langmuir-Blodgett Graphene-Based Films for Algal Biophotovoltaic Fuel Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:840. [PMID: 35269327 PMCID: PMC8912429 DOI: 10.3390/nano12050840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of photosynthesis, as the major natural solar energy transduction mechanism or biophotovoltaics (BPV), has always intrigued mankind. Over the last decades, we have learned to extract this renewable energy through continuously improving solid-state semiconductive devices, such as the photovoltaic solar cell. Direct utilization of plant-based BPVs has, however, been almost impracticable so far. Nevertheless, the electrochemical platform of fuel cells (FCs) relying on redox potentials of algae suspensions or biofilms on functionalized anode materials has in recent years increasingly been demonstrated to produce clean or carbon-negative electrical power generators. Interestingly, these algal BPVs offer unparalleled advantages, including carbon sequestration, bioremediation and biomass harvesting, while producing electricity. The development of high performance and durable BPVs is dependent on upgraded anode materials with electrochemically dynamic nanostructures. However, the current challenges in the optimization of anode materials remain significant barriers towards the development of commercially viable technology. In this context, two-dimensional (2D) graphene-based carbonaceous material has widely been exploited in such FCs due to its flexible surface functionalization properties. Attempts to economically improve power outputs have, however, been futile owing to molecular scale disorders that limit efficient charge coupling for maximum power generation within the anodic films. Recently, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film has been substantiated as an efficacious film-forming technique to tackle the above limitations of algal BPVs; however, the aforesaid technology remains vastly untapped in BPVs. An in-depth electromechanistic view of the fabrication of LB films and their electron transference mechanisms is of huge significance for the scalability of BPVs. However, an inclusive review of LB films applicable to BPVs has yet to be undertaken, prohibiting futuristic applications. Consequently, we report an inclusive description of a contextual outline, functional principles, the LB film-formation mechanism, recent endeavors in developing LB films and acute encounters with prevailing BPV anode materials. Furthermore, the research and scale-up challenges relating to LB film-integrated BPVs are presented along with innovative perceptions of how to improve their practicability in scale-up processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vengadesh Periasamy
- Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (K.C.); (F.L.N.)
| | - Muhammad Musoddiq Jaafar
- Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics, Research Complex, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
- International College of Semiconductor Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Karthikeyan Chandrasekaran
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (K.C.); (F.L.N.)
| | - Sara Talebi
- Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Fong Lee Ng
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (K.C.); (F.L.N.)
| | - Siew Moi Phang
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (K.C.); (F.L.N.)
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Georgepeter Gnana kumar
- Faculty of Engineering Technology & Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (G.G.k.); (M.I.)
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mitsumasa Iwamoto
- Faculty of Engineering Technology & Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (G.G.k.); (M.I.)
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1, S3-33 O-okayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
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Kim YJ, Hong H, Yun J, Kim SI, Jung HY, Ryu W. Photosynthetic Nanomaterial Hybrids for Bioelectricity and Renewable Energy Systems. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005919. [PMID: 33236450 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Harvesting solar energy in the form of electricity from the photosynthesis of plants, algal cells, and bacteria has been researched as the most environment-friendly renewable energy technology in the last decade. The primary challenge has been the engineering of electrochemical interfacing with photosynthetic apparatuses, organelles, or whole cells. However, with the aid of low-dimensional nanomaterials, there have been many advances, including enhanced photon absorption, increased generation of photosynthetic electrons (PEs), and more efficient transfer of PEs to electrodes. These advances have demonstrated the possibility for the technology to advance to a new level. In this article, the fundamentals of photosynthesis are introduced. How PE harvesting systems have improved concerning solar energy absorption, PE production, and PE collection by electrodes is discussed. The review focuses on how different kinds of nanomaterials are applied and function in interfacing with photosynthetic materials for enhanced PE harvesting. Finally, the review analyzes how the performance of PE harvesting and stand-alone systems have evolved so far and its future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jae Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hyeonaug Hong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - JaeHyoung Yun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Seon Il Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Ho Yun Jung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - WonHyoung Ryu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
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Lee J, Shin H, Kang C, Kim S. Solar Energy Conversion through Thylakoid Membranes Wired by Osmium Redox Polymer and Indium Tin Oxide Nanoparticles. CHEMSUSCHEM 2021; 14:2216-2225. [PMID: 33754497 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
For several decades, much attention has been paid to thylakoid membranes (TMs) as photocatalysts for converting solar light to electricity. Despite extensive research, current technology provides only limited photocurrents. Here, a novel method based on TM-composite material was developed for achieving high photocurrent. When a thin film composed of TMs, osmium redox polymer (Os-RP), and indium tin oxide nanoparticles (ITOnp) was formed on a porous graphite surface, appreciable photocurrent as high as 0.5 mA cm-2 was achieved at 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Each component plays its own role in transferring electrons from TMs to the anode, resulting in sharp drop in photocurrent with missing any component. Optimization between these three components showed 1 : 0.5 : 30 (TM/Os-RP/ITOnp) was the best ratio. Action spectra confirmed that TMs was the origin of photocurrent. It was inferred from blocking experiments using 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea as an inhibitor that about 41 % of photocurrent was transferred from QA in photosystem II to the electrode via Os-RP and ITOnp. Quantum efficiencies at 430 and 660 nm were 12.2 and 18.5 %, respectively. Turnover frequency for water oxidation depended upon the amount of the composite. A complete cell with Pt/C cathode produced Pmax of 122 μW cm-2 at 758 μA cm-2 under one sun illumination, which is the highest power density to our knowledge. This study opened a possibility of using TMs as photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lee
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Konkuk Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neudong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Hyosul Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, 54896, Korea
| | - Chan Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, 54896, Korea
| | - Sunghyun Kim
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Konkuk Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neudong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Korea
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Hong H, Lee JM, Yun J, Kim YJ, Kim SI, Shin H, Ahn HS, Hwang SJ, Ryu W. Enhanced interfacial electron transfer between thylakoids and RuO 2 nanosheets for photosynthetic energy harvesting. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/20/eabf2543. [PMID: 33980487 PMCID: PMC8115919 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The harvesting of photosynthetic electrons (PEs) directly from photosynthetic complexes has been demonstrated over the past decade. However, their limited efficiency and stability have hampered further practical development. For example, despite its importance, the interfacial electron transfer between the photosynthetic apparatus and the electrode has received little attention. In this study, we modified electrodes with RuO2 nanosheets to enhance the extraction of PEs from thylakoids, and the PE transfer was promoted by proton adsorption and surface polarity characteristics. The adsorbed protons maintained the potential of an electrode more positive, and the surface polarity enhanced thylakoid attachment to the electrode in addition to promoting ensemble docking between the redox species and the electrode. The RuO2 bioanode exhibited a five times larger current density and a four times larger power density than the Au bioanode. Last, the electric calculators were successfully powered by photosynthetic energy using a RuO2 bioanode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonaug Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Mee Lee
- Global Innovative Center for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - JaeHyoung Yun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jae Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Il Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - HyeIn Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun S Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ju Hwang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - WonHyoung Ryu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Kim SI, Kim YJ, Hong H, Yun J, Ryu W. Electrosprayed Thylakoid-Alginate Film on a Micro-Pillar Electrode for Scalable Photosynthetic Energy Harvesting. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:54683-54693. [PMID: 33226773 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c15993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Direct harvesting of electricity from photosynthesis is highly desired as an eco-friendly and sustainable energy harvesting technology. Photosynthetic apparatuses isolated from plants, such as thylakoid membranes (TMs), are deposited on an electrode by which photosynthetic electrons (PEs) are collected from water splitting. To enhance PE collection efficiency, it is critical to increase the electrochemical interfaces between TMs and the electrode. Considering the size of TMs to be around a few hundred nanometer, we hypothesize that an array of micropillar-shaped (MP) electrode can maximize the TM/electrode interface area. Thus, we developed MP electrodes with different heights and investigated the electrospraying of TM-alginate mixtures to fill the gaps between MPs uniformly and conformally. The uniformity of the TM-alginate film and the interaction between the TM and the MP electrode were evaluated to understand how the MP heights and film quality influenced the magnitude of the PE currents. PE currents increased up to 2.4 times for an MP electrode with an A/R of 1.8 compared to a flat electrode, indicating increased direct contact interface between TMs and the electrode. Furthermore, to demonstrate the scalability of this approach, an array of replicated SU-8 MP electrodes was prepared and PE currents of up to 3.2 μA were monitored without a mediator under 68 mW/cm2. Finally, the PE current harvesting was sustained for 14 days without decay, demonstrating the long-term stability of the TM-alginate biophotoanodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Il Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jae Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonaug Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - JaeHyoung Yun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - WonHyoung Ryu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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