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Prolonged hydrogen production by engineered green algae photovoltaic power stations

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Listed:
  • Hyo Jin Gwon

    (Yonsei University)

  • Geonwoo Park

    (Yonsei University)

  • JaeHyoung Yun

    (Yonsei University)

  • WonHyoung Ryu

    (Yonsei University)

  • Hyun S. Ahn

    (Yonsei University)

Abstract

Interest in securing energy production channels from renewable sources is higher than ever due to the daily observation of the impacts of climate change. A key renewable energy harvesting strategy achieving carbon neutral cycles is artificial photosynthesis. Solar-to-fuel routes thus far relied on elaborately crafted semiconductors, undermining the cost-efficiency of the system. Furthermore, fuels produced required separation prior to utilization. As an artificial photosynthesis design, here we demonstrate the conversion of swimming green algae into photovoltaic power stations. The engineered algae exhibit bioelectrogenesis, en route to energy storage in hydrogen. Notably, fuel formation requires no additives or external bias other than CO2 and sunlight. The cellular power stations autoregulate the oxygen level during artificial photosynthesis, granting immediate utility of the photosynthetic hydrogen without separation. The fuel production scales linearly with the reactor volume, which is a necessary trait for contributing to the large-scale renewable energy portfolio.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyo Jin Gwon & Geonwoo Park & JaeHyoung Yun & WonHyoung Ryu & Hyun S. Ahn, 2023. "Prolonged hydrogen production by engineered green algae photovoltaic power stations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-42529-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42529-3
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    2. Jens Appel & Vanessa Hueren & Marko Boehm & Kirstin Gutekunst, 2020. "Cyanobacterial in vivo solar hydrogen production using a photosystem I–hydrogenase (PsaD-HoxYH) fusion complex," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 5(6), pages 458-467, June.
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