Quantum design of photosynthesis for bio-inspired solar-energy conversion

Elisabet Romero, Vladimir I. Novoderezhkin, Rienk van Grondelle

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Photosynthesis is the natural process that converts solar photons into energy-rich products that are needed to drive the biochemistry of life. Two ultrafast processes form the basis of photosynthesis: excitation energy transfer and charge separation. Under optimal conditions, every photon that is absorbed is used by the photosynthetic organism. Fundamental quantum mechanics phenomena, including delocalization, underlie the speed, efficiency and directionality of the charge-separation process. At least four design principles are active in natural photosynthesis, and these can be applied practically to stimulate the development of bio-inspired, human-made energy conversion systems.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)355-365
Number of pages11
JournalNature
Volume543
Issue number7645
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Mar 2017

Funding

FundersFunder number
European Union FP7323901
Foundation of Chemical Sciences, part of Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen
Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
European Research Council267333
European Research Council
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam700.58.305
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Russian Foundation for Basic Research15-04-02136
Russian Foundation for Basic Research
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

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