Scheme 1. Schematic Illustration of Si-Based Photocathode for Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Hydrogen Evolution Although silicon-based photoelectrodes with basic components have made significant improvements in artificial photosynthesis, additional issues need to be considered.
When thrown away, the metals and solution within the battery may be toxic to the environment. Based on the research conducted by the University of Cambridge, algae could be used to make a biological photovoltaic battery (BPV), a battery that uses photosynthesis from microorganisms to remain charged.
For this experiment, 16 biophotovoltaic batteries (BPV) were made using copper and zinc, saltwater, and each type of algae. The copper wire was measured and turned into equal sizes of spring to increase conductivity. Both metals were sandpapered before being put into the saltwater.
The tiny electrical current this generates then interacts with an aluminum electrode and is used to power a microprocessor. “Our photosynthetic device doesn’t run down the way a battery does because it’s continually using light as the energy source.”
As in natural photosynthesis, three key fundamental steps are required to convert solar energy into chemical energy in artificial photosynthesis: light harvesting, charge separation, and redox catalysis [36, 37].
The role of artificial photosynthesis in hydrogen energy sustainability is explored. Challenges and future potentials in artificial photosynthesis are addressed. As the global energy crisis deepens and the demand for carbon emission reductions grows more urgent, the rapid development of artificial photosynthesis (AP) emerges as a critical solution.