Metalloenzymes as Inspirational Electrocatalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis: From Mechanism to Model Devices (Springer Theses)

This thesis describes a series of investigations designed to assess the value of metalloenzymes in systems for artificial and adapted photosynthesis. The research presented explores the interplay between inherent enzyme properties such as structure, rates and thermodynamics, and the properties of the semiconducting materials to which the enzyme is attached. Author, Andreas Bachmeier provides a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of artificial photosynthesis, allowing the reader to grasp the latest approaches being investigated, from molecular systems to heterogeneous surface catalysis. Bachmeier’s work also uses metalloenzymes to highlight the importance of reversible catalysts in removing the burden of poor electrocatalytic rates and efficiencies which are common characteristics for most artificial photosynthesis systems. Overall, this thesis provides newcomers and students in the field with evidence that metalloenzymes can be used to establish new directions in artificial photosynthesis research. Front Matter....Pages i-xxvi Introduction....Pages 1-75 Theory of Experimental Techniques....Pages 77-125 The Mechanism of [FeFe]-Hydrogenases—How Aldehydes Inhibit H2 Evolution....Pages 127-155 The Direct Electrochemistry of Fuel-Forming Enzymes on Semiconducting Electrodes: How Light-Harvesting Semiconductors Can Alter the Bias of Reversible Electrocatalysts in Favour of H2 Production and CO2 Reduction....Pages 157-177 Selective Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Reduction on a p-Type Dye-Sensitised NiO Photocathode....Pages 179-191 A Multi-haem Flavoenzyme as a Solar Conversion Catalyst....Pages 193-206 Conclusions and Perspectives....Pages 207-212 Experimental Section....Pages 213-233 Back Matter....Pages 235-252