Work

Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer: The Engine of Energy Conversion and Storage

Year: 2022

Type: review

Abstract: Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) underpins energy conversion in chemistry and biology. Four energy systems are described whose discoveries are based on PCET: the water splitting chemistry of the Artificial Leaf, the carbon fixation chemistry of the Bionic Leaf-C, the nitrogen fixation chemistry of the Bionic Leaf-N and the Coordination Chemistry Flow Battery (CCFB). Whereas the Artificial Leaf, Bionic Leaf-C, and Bionic Leaf-N require strong coupling between electron and proton to reduce energetic barriers to enable high energy efficiencies, the CCFB requires complete decoupling of the electron and proton so as to avoid parasitic energy-wasting reactions. The proper design of PCET in these systems facilitates their implementation in the areas of (i) centralized large scale grid storage of electricity and (ii) decentralized energy storage/conversion using only sunlight, air and any water source to produce fuel and food within a sustainable cycle for the biogenic elements of C, N and P.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10444

Author: Daniel G. Nocera

Institution: Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Photochemistry and Electron Transfer Studies

Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,000