(31g) Chloroplast-Inspired Artificial Photosynthetic Capsules for Efficient and Sustainable Enzymatic Hydrogenation | AIChE

(31g) Chloroplast-Inspired Artificial Photosynthetic Capsules for Efficient and Sustainable Enzymatic Hydrogenation

Authors 

Shi, J. - Presenter, Tianjin University
Inspired by the structure and function of chloroplast, an artificial photosynthetic alginate (ALG) capsule bearing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) matric, red phosphorus quantum dots@g-C3N4 (P/CN) tubular photocatalysts and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is prepared for efficient and sustainable synthesis of methanol from formaldehyde. CMC liquid core resembles grana in chloroplast to afford favorable micro-environment for stabilizing ADH, whereas P/CN photocatalysts mimic thylakoid in chloroplast to supply nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH, the hydride donor) for triggering enzymatic hydrogenation. Moreover, P/CN photocatalysts reinforce the mechanical stability and, thereby, inhibit the swelling of ALG capsules, thus suppressing the leaching of P/CN photocatalysts and enzymes. The kinetic processes of photocatalytic regeneration and enzyme hydrogenation are investigated, respectively. The optimal coupling of photo-enzyme reactions enabled by the capsules achieves the efficient and sustainable production of methanol. Our study offers some guidance for rational construction of integrated and recyclable artificial photosynthetic systems towards a broad range of chemical/biochemical reactions.