Journal article
Photocurrent generation based on a light-driven proton pump in an artificial liquid membrane
Nature Chemistry, Vol.6(3), pp.202-207
2014
Abstract
Biological light-driven proton pumps use light to move protons across a cell membrane, creating a proton gradient. Although photochromic compounds such as spiropyrans can reversibly convert between two structures with differing pKa values, spiropyrans have not been used to generate either a light-driven proton pump or an electrical current. Here, we report an artificial light-harvesting system based on a supported liquid membrane doped with a spiropyran. Irradiating the membrane with ultraviolet light induces a ring-opening reaction, converting spiropyran to merocyanine, whereas irradiation with visible light induces the reverse reaction. When the membrane is irradiated with ultraviolet and visible light on opposite sides, H+ is taken up by merocyanine, carried through the polymeric membrane and released on the other side. We show that this system produces a light-induced proton flux, an electrical current with an efficiency of ~0.12%, an open-circuit voltage of ~210 mV and a membrane gradient of ~3.6 ΔpH units. Alternating the sides illuminated with ultraviolet and visible light generates an alternating current.
Details
- Title
- Photocurrent generation based on a light-driven proton pump in an artificial liquid membrane
- Authors
- Xiaojiang Xie (Author) - University of Geneva, SwitzerlandGaston A Crespo (Author) - University of Geneva, SwitzerlandGunter Mistlberger (Author) - University of Geneva, SwitzerlandEric Bakker (Author) - University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Publication details
- Nature Chemistry, Vol.6(3), pp.202-207
- Publisher
- Nature Publishing Group
- Date published
- 2014
- DOI
- 10.1038/nchem.1858
- ISSN
- 1755-4330
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448630302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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