Artificial Photosynthesis

Convener: 

Anthony Harriman, Newcastle University, UK

Programme:

Monday 3 August (morning and afternoon)

Keynote Speakers

Biology and technology combine to meet human energy needs
Thomas A. Moore, Arizona State University, USA

Covalently and noncovalently assembled large porphyrin arrays
Atsuhiro Osuka, Kyoto University, Japan

Speakers

Can simple molecular dyads store sunlight?
Andrew C. Benniston, Newcastle University, UK

Control of photo-induced charge separation in porphyrin arrays
Kenneth P. Ghiggino, University of Melbourne, Australia

Charge photogeneration in molecular solar cells
James Durrant, Imperial College, London, UK

Biomimetic approaches to artificial photosynthesis: Controlling coupled electron transfers
Leif Hammarström, Uppsala University, Sweden

Smart photosystems
Stefan Matile, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Carboxylic porphyrins and metalloporphyrins as potential dyes for solar cells: Evaluation of electron injection efficiencies with photoacoustic calorimetry
Carlos J.P. Monteiro, University of Coimbra, Portugal

Bioinspired energy conversion schemes
Ana L. Moore, Arizona State University, USA

Multichromophoric arrays based on polyoxometalates for photo-cummulative electron transfer
Fabrice Odobel, Université de Nantes, France

Symposium Information

Photosynthesis is the process whereby Nature uses sunlight to split water into oxygen and a supply of electrons, which are used to reduce carbon dioxide to carbohydrate. The overall process is responsible for the majority of energy used by mankind during our evolution and is challenged only by nuclear processes.

Photosynthesis is deceptively complex and involves a large number of key chemical steps. To a large degree, the underlying chemistry is known and, in principle, could be used to devise artificial analogues more suited to current energy demands. Concerns about depleting fossil fuels, together with environmental issues, require that we seek to instigate efficient artificial photosynthetic systems with maximum urgency.

Session 1 - Artificial Photosynthesis

This session will focus on attempts made to mimic the essential features of green plant photosynthesis.

The main topics to be covered will include: 

• a review of natural photosynthesis in the context of energy storage
• light-induced electron transfer
• light harvesting
• achieving long-lived charge-separated products
• long-range electron and energy transfer
• the special role of the protein matrix
• artificial self-repair processes

Emphasis will be placed on the design of suitable systems and on the generic lessons learned to date. A round-up lecture will consider the possibility of a truly artificial mimic being in place within the foreseeable future.

Session 2 - Practical Approaches to Renewable Energy

This session will address proposed ways to store solar energy using photosystems that bear only a passing resemblance to the natural process. 

These approaches will include: 

• catalyst design
• oxygen evolution from water
• reduction of carbon dioxide
• hydrogen storage
• water reduction
• coupled photosystems
• artificial membranes

The session will concentrate on seeking news ways to circumvent known problems. A final round-up talk will summarise current thinking and highlight ways forward.