文摘
The quantum yield for light-induced H2 generation was measured for a previously optimized bio-hybrid cytochrome c 6-crosslinked PSIC13G鈥?,8-octanedithiol鈥揫FeFe]-H2aseC97G (PSI鈥揌2ase) nanoconstruct. The theoretical quantum yield for the PSI鈥揌2ase nanoconstruct is 0.50 molecules of H2 per photon absorbed, which equates to a requirement of two photons per H2 generated. Illumination of the PSI鈥揌2ase nanoconstruct with visible light between 400 and 700 nm resulted in an average quantum yield of 0.10鈥?.15 molecules of H2 per photon absorbed, which equates to a requirement of 6.7鈥?0 photons per H2 generated. A possible reason for the difference between the theoretical and experimental quantum yield is the occurrence of non-productive PSIC13G鈥?,8-octanedithiol鈥揚SIC13G (PSI鈥揚SI) conjugates, which would absorb light without generating H2. Assuming the thiol-Fe coupling is equally efficient at producing PSI鈥揚SI conjugates as well as in producing PSI鈥揌2ase nanoconstructs, the theoretical quantum yield would decrease to 0.167 molecules of H2 per photon absorbed, which equates to 6 photons per H2 generated. This value is close to the range of measured values in the current study. A strategy that purifies the PSI鈥揌2ase nanoconstructs from the unproductive PSI鈥揚SI conjugates or that incorporates different chemistries on the PSI and [FeFe]-H2ase enzyme sites could potentially allow the PSI鈥揌2ase nanoconstruct to approach the expected theoretical quantum yield for light-induced H2 generation. Keywords Biohydrogen Photosystem I Hydrogenase Photosystem I-hydrogenase Bioconjugate Solar biofuels Molecular wire