Hybrid Z-Scheme Using Photosystem I and BiVO4 for Hydrogen Production

• Published in: Advanced functional materials Vol. 25; no. 16; pp. 2369 - 2377
• Main Authors: Kim, Younghye, Shin, Della, Chang, Woo Je, Jang, Hae Lin, Lee, Chan Woo, Lee, Hye-Eun, Nam, Ki Tae
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Blackwell Publishing Ltd 22.04.2015
• Subjects: hydrogen evolution; photosynthesis; protein hybrids
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201404556

The so‐called Z‐scheme is a means of utilizing photo‐induced electrons from a photosystem and has consistently motivated the design of synthetic photocatalytic systems. Although progress has been made in many pioneering studies on an inorganic‐based Z‐scheme, there have been no reports of a hybrid Z‐scheme for an inorganic and a photosystem. Here, a hybrid Z‐scheme is demonstrated by integrating a platinized photosystem I (PSI) and BiVO4 for hydrogen production. Up to now, PSI‐driven systems have been limited to a one‐step photoreduction reaction using sacrificial reductants. In this hybrid Z‐scheme, step‐wise charge separation in PSI and BiVO4 enables the production of hydrogen from only water under visible light. PSI and BiVO4 are conjugated via metal mediators to form an all‐linked structure. The novel design exhibits potential for the development of a protein hybrid system for electrochemical devices, sensors, and a solar energy conversion system. The first hybrid Z‐scheme by using photo­system I and a semiconductor in an all‐linked structure is reported. The hybrid system produces hydrogen from water without the use of a reducing additive under visible light. This novel system provides a new means of using photosynthetic proteins in photocatalytic applications.