Publication date: 8th October 2020
Technological developments in materials chemistry lead to progresses in electrochemistry. The possibility to tune the material properties over a wide range is especially important for biohybrid electrodes to adapt the artificial surface for the needs of the biological component.
These advances are helpful in the field of bioenergy, for example for biophotovoltaics. In these fairly new form of electrodes photo active protein complexes are connected to synthetic surfaces to convert sunlight into electric current and interesting energy-rich chemicals.[1] The goal of this work is the buildup of a biophotovoltaic based on 3D graphene and photosystem I (PSI). Here a facile, scalable approach was targeted. The construction was realized by using reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which is relative cheap and accessible in comparatively high quantities.[2] Photocurrent production was already achieved for 3D rGO when combined with photosystem II but is a novelty for PSI.[3] The 3D structure is generated by a template process based on latex beads and spin coating. The general template procedure already proved to be successful for photobioelectrodes made of other artificial electrode materials.[4] A hydrazine treatment was optimized for the reduction of the constructed 3D material.
The obtained electrode has been evaluated regarding the interaction with PSI. An assembly as well as the direct electron transfer from electrode to the reaction center is ensured resulting in a cathodic photocurrent. The redox protein cytochrome c is added to connect more PSI complexes with the 3D rGO via mediated electron transfer. The protein electrode is characterized with different electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chopped light voltammetry and photo action spectroscopy. Additionally, analytical methods such as UV/VIS spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been applied. It is important to note that the thickness of the electrode material is adjustable in the manufacturing process. Even by preparing multiple layers the final electrode remains semi-transparent, which is advantageous as it is therefore well suited as biophotovoltaic device. Even more important it was found that the photocurrent can be enhanced with the use of thicker electrode structures.
The authors acknowledge financial support by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (German for Federal Ministry for Education and Research) within the project 031B0557A+B (Biotechnology 2020).
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