Phys.org December 17, 2024
The synergistic integration of all the components for efficient light harvesting, cascade electron transfer, and efficient biocatalytic reactions presents a formidable challenge. Researchers in the UK described the bottom-up construction of a visible-light-driven chemical–biological hybrid nanoreactor with augmented photocatalytic efficiency by anchoring an α-carboxysome shell encasing on the surface of a hydrogen-bonded organic molecular crystal, a microporous α-polymorph of tetra(4′-carboxyphenyl)pyrene (TBAP-α). Within this hybrid photobiocatalyst, TBAP-α functioned as an antenna for visible-light absorption and exciton generation, supplying electrons for hydrogen production by H–S in aqueous solutions. This coordination allowed the hybrid nanoreactor to execute hydrogen evolution exclusively driven by light irradiation. According to the researchers their work opens innovative opportunities for the fabrication of biomimetic nanoreactors for sustainable fuel production and enzymatic reactions… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Graphical abstract. Credit: ACS Catalysis, 2024, 14, XXX, 18603–18614