General framework for enzyme-photo-coupled catalytic system toward carbon dioxide conversion

Enzyme-Photocoupled Catalytic Systems Based on Zirconium-Metal-Organic Frameworks

Green, low-carbon, and efficient chemical conversions are crucial for the sustainable development of modern society. Enzyme-photocoupled catalytic systems (EPCS), which mimic natural photosynthesis, utilize solar energy to drive biochemical reactions, providing emergent opportunities to address the limitations of traditional photocatalytic systems. However, the integration and compatibility of photocatalysis and biocatalysis present challenges in designing highly efficient and stable EPCS. Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) with outstanding chemical and thermal stability, large surface area, and tunable pore size are ideal candidates for supporting enzymes and enhancing photocatalytic processes. This review aims to integrate Zr-MOFs with EPCS to further promote the development of EPCS. First, an overview of the basic components and design principles of EPCS is provided, highlighting the importance of the unique properties of Zr-MOFs. After that, three different strategies for combining enzymes with Zr-MOFs are summarized and their respective advantages are evaluated. Finally, the development opportunities and some problems to be solved in this field are proposed.

NAD(P)H-Inspired CO2 Reduction Based on Organohydrides

The conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels using stable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly metal-free catalysts is a promising technology to mitigate the global environmental crisis. In the Calvin cycle of natural photosynthesis, CO2 reduction (CO2R) is achieved using the cofactor NADPH as the reducing agent through 2e-/1H+ or H- transfer. Consequently, inspired by NAD(P)H, a series of organohydrides with adjustable reducibility show remarkable potential for efficient metal-free CO2R. In this review, we first summarize the photosensitizers for NAD(P)H regeneration and list the representative photoenzyme CO2R system. Then, we introduce the NAD(P)H-inspired organohydrides and their applications in redox reactions. Furthermore, we discuss recent progress and breakthroughs by utilizing organohydrides as metal-free CO2R catalysts. Moreover, we delve into the reaction mechanisms and applications of these organohydrides, shedding light on their potential as sustainable alternatives to metal-based CO2R catalysts. Finally, we offer insights into the prospects and potential directions for advancing this intriguing avenue of organohydride-based catalysts for CO2R.

Conjugated Molecules Based Multi-Component Artificial Photosynthesis System for Producing Multi-Objective Products

The development of artificial photosynthesis systems that mimics natural photosynthesis can help address the issue of energy scarcity by efficiently utilizing solar energy. Here, it presents liposomes-based artificial photosynthetic nanocapsules (PSNC) integrating photocatalytic, chemical catalytic, and biocatalytic systems through one-pot method. The PSNC contains 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl) cobalt-porphyrin, tridipyridyl-ruthenium nitrate, oligo-pphenyl-ethylene-rhodium complex, and creatine kinase, efficiently generating oxygen, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and adenosine triphosphate with remarkable enhancements of 231%, 30%, and 86%, compared with that of molecules mixing in aqueous solution. Additionally, the versatile PSNC enables simulation of light-independent reactions, achieving a controllable output of various target products. The regenerated NADH within PSNC further facilitates alcohol dehydrogenase, yielding methanol with a notable efficiency improvement of 37%. This work introduces a promising platform for sustainable solar energy conversion and the simultaneous synthesis of multiple valuable products in an ingenious and straightforward way.