Engineering antiparallel charge-transfer cascades into supramolecular n/p-heterojunction photosystems: toward directional self-sorting on surfaces

Faraday Discuss. 2012:155:63-77; discussion 103-14. doi: 10.1039/c1fd00072a.

Abstract

This contribution describes recent progress made with the design, synthesis and evaluation of supramolecular architectures for artificial photosynthesis. Emphasis is on the possible introduction of antiparallel redox gradients into the co-axial hole- and electron-transporting channels of supramolecular n/p-heterojunctions, and on directional, uniform axial and alternate lateral self-sorting to get there. Recent results suggest that two-component gradients in both channels are sufficient for photoinduced charge separation over very long distances. Removal of one gradient leads to charge recombination at the usual critical distances, inversion of both gradients causes photocurrent inhibition. These promising results call for user-friendly, cheap and fast approaches to oriented multicomponent architectures on solid surfaces. However, the reduction of efforts devoted to covalent organic synthesis will have to be compensated by the development of strategic concepts on the supramolecular level to tackle basic questions such as self-sorting on surfaces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioelectric Energy Sources
  • Biofuels
  • Chemical Engineering / methods*
  • Electron Transport
  • Electrons
  • Green Chemistry Technology / methods*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photochemistry / methods*
  • Photosynthesis*
  • Solar Energy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Static Electricity
  • Sunlight

Substances

  • Biofuels