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Bio‐inspired Photoelectric Conversion Based on Smart‐Gating Nanochannels
Author(s) -
Wen Liping,
Hou Xu,
Tian Ye,
Zhai Jin,
Jiang Lei
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201000239
Subject(s) - materials science , photocurrent , photoelectric effect , photovoltaic system , solar energy conversion , proton , gating , protonation , energy transformation , energy conversion efficiency , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , molecule , solar energy , electrical engineering , chemistry , physics , ion , physiology , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , biology , engineering , thermodynamics
Inspired by the light‐driven, cross‐membrane proton pump of biological systems, a photoelectric conversion system based on a smart‐gating, proton‐driven nanochannel is constructed. In this system, solar energy is the only source of cross‐membrane proton motive force that induces a diffusion potential and photocurrent flowing through the external circuit. Although the obtained photoelectric conversion performance is lower than that of conventional solid photovoltaic devices, it is believed that higher efficiencies can be generated by enhancing the protonation capacity of the photo‐acid molecules, optimizing the membrane, and synthesizing high‐performance photosensitive molecules. This type of facile and environmentally friendly photoelectric conversion has potential applications for future energy demands such as the production of power for in vivo medical devices.