Energy Conversion Using Photocatalysts Learning from Photosynthesis

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen production reactions have been attracting attention as a solution to the recent energy depletion problem. However, their efficiency is still low, and they have not yet been put to practical use. We have designed a novel photocatalyst based on photosynthesis as a new development for highly efficient hydrogen production reactions. In this review, we introduce a hydrogen production reaction using photosystem I complex, a photoreforming reaction using CdS/SiC composite photocatalyst, and a water splitting reaction using CdWO₄/CdS/SiC composite photocatalyst.