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 language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 355-365 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Nature |
| Volume | 543 |
| Issue number | 7645 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Mar 2017 |
Funding
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Netherlands Royal Academy of Sciences | |
| Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek | |
| Foundation of Chemical Sciences, part of Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research | |
| European Commission | |
| Canadian Institute for Advanced Research | |
| European Research Council | 267333 |
| Russian Foundation for Basic Research | 15-04-02136 |
| Seventh Framework Programme | 323901 |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 700.58.305 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
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