Hybrid bioinorganic approach to solar-to-chemical conversion

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1508075112
• Publication Date: 2015-08-25T01:59:53Z
• Authors: Eva M. Nichols; Joseph J. Gallagher; Chong Liu; Yude Su; Joaquin Resasco; Yi Yu; Yujie Sun; Peidong Yang; Michelle C. Y. Chang; Christopher J. Chang
• Keywords: Chemical transformation

Significance Natural photosynthesis, a process of solar-to-chemical conversion, uses light, water, and carbon dioxide to generate the chemical products needed sustain life. Here we report strategy inspired by photosynthesis in which compatible inorganic biological components are used transform value-added product methane. Specifically, this conversion platform interfaces photoactive materials that produce hydrogen from water sunlight with microorganisms consume sustainably derived drive transformation methane high efficiency. This system establishes starting point for broader biology approach synthesis more complex water.