Photochemical Methods for the Conversion of Light into Chemical Energy

Abstract

Abstract This paper is concerned with reaction systems in which fuel production is achieved by illumination of aqueous solutions. Research interest in this field focusses on photoredox reactions magnified image in which R and S are solutes of which one is excited by light. Major problems to overcome for practical use of these systems are the retardation of the back reaction and the back conversion of R − and S + under production of a fuel. To accomplish the production of the back reaction microscopically, heterogeneous solutions containing molecular assemblies such as micelles or vesicles have been employed. Here, through judicious choice of the molecular system, in particular the use of functional electron relays, charge separation can be achieved. This concept has been coupled with the use of colloidal redox catalysts to bring about hydrogen and oxygen formation from water magnified image Systems which produce hydrogen and/or oxygen from water through illumination with visible light will be reviewed and most recent experimental results from our and other laboratories discussed.