Competing charge transfer pathways at the photosystem II-electrode interface.

ABSTRACT: The integration of the water-oxidation enzyme photosystem II (PSII) into electrodes allows the electrons extracted from water oxidation to be harnessed for enzyme characterization and to drive novel endergonic reactions. However, PSII continues to underperform in integrated photoelectrochemical systems despite extensive optimization efforts. Here we carried out protein-film photoelectrochemistry using spinach and Thermosynechococcus elongatus PSII, and we identified a competing charge transfer pathway at the enzyme-electrode interface that short-circuits the known water-oxidation pathway. This undesirable pathway occurs as a result of photo-induced O₂ reduction occurring at the chlorophyll pigments and is promoted by the embedment of PSII in an electron-conducting fullerene matr

SUBMITTER: Zhang JZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5113757 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature