Panoramic insights into semi-artificial photosynthesis: origin, development, and future perspective

Semi-artificial photosynthetic systems (SAPSs) integrate the strengths of natural and artificial photosynthesis for solar energy conversion. Synthetic materials and biological components both play indispensable roles, where the former can be rationally designed to effectively capture light and generate charge-carriers, and the latter has evolved complex and efficient ways for highly specific catalysis with low substrate activation barriers. In this review, the SAPS is comprehensively elaborated based on the different combinations of light-capturing components and catalytic centers, including semiconductors/biological molecules to harvest light and enzymes/cells/semiconductors to catalyze reactions. The newly emerged photo-enzymes and biomimetic complexes as well as the genetically modified molecules are also discussed to better foster the understanding of SAPSs. Side-by-side comparisons are made to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the reported SAPSs. With the investigation of interfacial electron transfer and effects at the biotic-abiotic interface, the forward-looking perspective of SAPS is further elucidated. This panoramic view would contribute to the better design and optimization of SAPSs for addressing global energy and environmental challenges in the future.