Light-induced formation of partially reduced oxygen species limits the lifetime of photosystem 1-based biocathodes

Interfacing photosynthetic proteins specifically photosystem 1 (PS1) with electrodes enables light-induced charge separation processes for powering semiartificial photobiodevices with, however, limited long-term stability. Here, we present the in-depth evaluation of a PS1/Os-complex-modified redox polymer-based biocathode by means of scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy. Focalized local illumination of the bioelectrode and concomitant collection of H2O2 at the closely positioned microelectrode provide evidence for the formation of partially reduced oxygen species under light conditions. Long-term evaluation of the photocathode at different O2 concentrations as well as after incorporating catalase and superoxide dismutase reveals the particularly challenging issue of avoiding the generation of reactive species. Moreover, the evaluation of films prepared with inactivated PS1 and free chlorophyll points out additional possible pathways for the generation of oxygen radicals. To avoid degradation of PS1 during illumination and hence to enhance the long-term stability, the operation of biophotocathodes under anaerobic conditions is indispensable.