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Articles by Erwin Reisner
Introduction to Semi-artificial Photosynthesis Click to copy article link Article link copied!
Special Issue Published as part of Chemical Reviews special issue “Semi-artificial Photosynthesis”. Semi-artificial photosynthesis integrates synthetic and biological components to create biohybrid systems for the production of fuels and value-added chemicals using sunlight.
Photocatalytic Transfer Hydrogenation Using Plastic Hydrolysates as Hydrogen Donor
1 Introduction The catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines offers a direct route to valuable nitrogen-containing building blocks [1, 2]. Anilines serve as precursors in the manufacture of dyes, polymers, active pharmaceutical ingredients, agrochemicals, and advanced functional materials, making their sustainable synthesis a priority for the chemical industry [3].
Solar reforming of plastics using acid-catalyzed depolymerization
Keywords depolymerization acid hydrolysis photocatalysis photoreforming carbon nitride molybdenum disulfide hydrogen acetic acid plastic upcycling battery recycling Introduction Plastic production has surged from 2 million metric tons annually in 1950 to over 400 million tons in 2023,1 with condensation polymers (plastics) such as polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes (PUs) being widely used in packaging, textiles, and single-use applications.2 Despite rising concerns about plastic...
Anti-Friedel–Crafts alkylation via electron donor–acceptor photoinitiation
Abstract The ubiquity of C–H bonds in organic molecules makes direct C–H functionalization an atom- and step-efficient strategy in synthetic chemistry. However, direct C–H alkylation, particularly of electron-poor aromatic substrates, remains a major challenge because current methods suffer from limited selectivity, functional group tolerance and/or require harsh acidic, pyrophoric or toxic reagents.
Solar Air-to-Fuel Technologies for a Circular Carbon Economy
1. Introduction Click to copy section linkSection link copied! Earth’s natural carbon cycle plays a crucial role in sustaining life on our planet. Until the industrial revolution, the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels had largely remained stable (at below 300 ppm) for several thousand years, with forests, soil, and oceans sequestering nearly equal amounts of CO2 to those being released by the natural processes (Figure 1).
Solar Air-to-Fuel Technologies for a Circular Carbon Economy
1. Introduction Click to copy section linkSection link copied! Earth’s natural carbon cycle plays a crucial role in sustaining life on our planet. Until the industrial revolution, the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels had largely remained stable (at below 300 ppm) for several thousand years, with forests, soil, and oceans sequestering nearly equal amounts of CO 2 to those being released by the natural processes ( Figure 1 ).
Reply to: On anisotropy in cubic Cu2O photoelectrodes - Nature
replying to: Y. Fu & D. J. Singh Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09628-1 (2025). We appreciate that our article1 has sparked a discussion in the computational materials science community on the origin of the measured anisotropic mobility in Cu2O. In the accompanying Comment2, Fu and Singh present a theoretical analysis of Cu2O band structures to understand the anisotropic measured carrier mobility that we reported.
Adapting Gas Fermenting Bacteria for Light-driven Domino Valorization of CO2
Adapting Gas Fermenting Bacteria for Light-driven Domino Valorization of CO2 The solar-driven valorization of CO2 to fuels and chemicals provides an exciting opportunity to develop a circular chemical industry, but the controlled production of multicarbon organics remains a major challenge.
Photoelectrochemical comproportionation of pre-treated PET plastics and CO2 to formate
Photoelectrochemical comproportionation of pre-treated PET plastics and CO2 to formate† Pairing plastic waste reforming and carbon dioxide (CO2) utilisation to produce chemical energy carriers provides an attractive means to mitigate waste and create value, but challenges persist in achieving selective product formation, separation and overall device integration.
Driving Electrochemical Organic Hydrogenations on Metal Catalysts by Tailoring Hydrogen Surface Coverages
Introduction Click to copy section linkSection link copied! Since the industrial revolution, anthropogenic emissions of CO2, partly driven by industrial chemical processes that depend on fossil fuel-derived reagents, have had a lasting impact on the Earth’s environment and climate. (1) Transitioning to a defossilized economy can be facilitated by electrifying industrial synthetic processes, particularly through the integration of electrosynthesis with renewable energy sources.
Driving Electrochemical Organic Hydrogenations on Metal Catalysts by Tailoring Hydrogen Surface Coverages
Introduction Click to copy section linkSection link copied! Since the industrial revolution, anthropogenic emissions of CO2, partly driven by industrial chemical processes that depend on fossil fuel-derived reagents, have had a lasting impact on the Earth’s environment and climate. (1) Transitioning to a defossilized economy can be facilitated by electrifying industrial synthetic processes, particularly through the integration of electrosynthesis with renewable energy sources.
Perovskite-driven solar C2 hydrocarbon synthesis from CO2 - Nature Catalysis
Abstract Photoelectrochemistry (PEC) presents a direct pathway to solar fuel synthesis by integrating light absorption and catalysis into compact electrodes. Yet, PEC hydrocarbon production remains elusive due to high catalytic overpotentials and insufficient semiconductor photovoltage. Here we demonstrate ethane and ethylene synthesis by interfacing lead halide perovskite photoabsorbers with suitable copper nanoflower electrocatalysts.
Solar‐driven Methanogenesis through Microbial Ecosystem Engineering on Carbon Nitride
Supporting Information As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors.
Organic Semiconductor‐BiVO4 Tandem Devices for Solar‐Driven H2O and CO2 Splitting
Supporting Information Filename Description adma202404110-sup-0001-SuppMat.pdf5.9 MB Supporting Information adma202404110-sup-0002-VideoS1.mov5.6 MB Supplemental Video 1 adma202404110-sup-0003-csv.zip15.3 KB Supporting Information
Engineering of bespoke photosensitiser-microbe interfaces for enhanced semi-artificial photosynthesis
Engineering of bespoke photosensitiser–microbe interfaces for enhanced semi-artificial photosynthesis Biohybrid systems for solar fuel production integrate artificial light-harvesting materials with biological catalysts such as microbes. In this perspective, we discuss the rational design of the abiotic–biotic interface in biohybrid systems by reviewing microbes and synthetic light-harvesting materials, as well as presenting various approaches to coupling these two components together.
Publisher Correction: High carrier mobility along the [111] orientation in Cu2O photoelectrodes - Nature
Correction to: Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07273-8 Published online 24 April 2024 In the version of the article initially published, Linfeng Pan and Linjie Dai were not named as equal contributors. This has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the article.
High carrier mobility along the [111] orientation in Cu2O photoelectrodes - Nature
Abstract Solar fuels offer a promising approach to provide sustainable fuels by harnessing sunlight1,2. Following a decade of advancement, Cu2O photocathodes are capable of delivering a performance comparable to that of photoelectrodes with established photovoltaic materials3,4,5. However, considerable bulk charge carrier recombination that is poorly understood still limits further advances in performance6.
In-situ topotactic synthesis of decahedron BiVO4/2D networks Bi2S3 heterojunctions for efficient Cr(VI) reduction: Improved charge separation and imaged at the single-particle level
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is widely applied in many fields such as electrical appliances and electroplating. Due to its carcinogenicity and mutagenicity, Cr(VI) is labeled as group A carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1], [2]. Therefore, it is highly necessary to build an effective and environmentally friendly method for treating Cr(VI)-containing wastewater.
Operando film-electrochemical EPR spectroscopy tracks radical intermediates in surface-immobilized catalysts - Nature Chemistry
Abstract The development of surface-immobilized molecular redox catalysts is an emerging research field with promising applications in sustainable chemistry. In electrocatalysis, paramagnetic species are often key intermediates in the mechanistic cycle but are inherently difficult to detect and follow by conventional in situ techniques.
Solar reforming as an emerging technology for circular chemical industries - Nature Reviews Chemistry
Abstract The adverse environmental impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and persistent waste accumulation are driving the demand for sustainable approaches to clean-energy production and waste recycling. By coupling the thermodynamically favourable oxidation of waste-derived organic carbon streams with fuel-forming reduction reactions suitable for producing clean hydrogen or converting CO2 to fuels, solar reforming simultaneously valorizes waste and generates useful chemical products.
Connecting Biological and Synthetic Approaches for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
1 Introduction Electrocatalysis as a means for turning CO2 into valuable products provides an opportunity to close the anthropogenic carbon cycle.1, 2 This prospect has provided significant motivation for the field to expand rapidly, giving rise to a variety of novel approaches, such as developing electrode heterogenized enzymes, immobilized small molecule catalysts, or heterogeneous metals and alloys as CO2 reduction (CO2R) catalysts (Figure 1).
Connecting Biological and Synthetic Approaches for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction has developed into a broad field, spanning fundamental studies of enzymatic ‘model’ catalysts to synthetic molecular catalysts and heterogeneous gas diffusion electrodes producing commercially relevant quantities of product. This diversification has resulted in apparent differences and a disconnect between seemingly related approaches when using different types of catalysts.
Complete Valorisation of Lignocellulose and Low Concentration CO2 using a Fractionation-Photocatalysis-Electrolysis Process
Complete Valorisation of Lignocellulose and Low Concentration CO2 using a Fractionation-Photocatalysis-Electrolysis Process The simultaneous upcycling of all components in lignocellulosic biomass and the greenhouse gas CO¬2 at flue gas concentrations (~20 vol%) presents an attractive opportunity to synthesise sustainable and valuable chemicals.
Floating Carbon Nitride Composites for Practical Solar Reforming of Pre‐Treated Wastes to Hydrogen Gas
1 Introduction Recycling of waste plastic and the production of CO2-neutral fuels are two critical contemporary environmental challenges.
Carboxysome‐Inspired Electrocatalysis using Enzymes for the Reduction of CO2 at Low Concentrations**
Nature does not require such compromises and has evolved efficient approaches to utilize atmospheric CO2 directly to make complex products (e.g. sugars) using the carboxysome—a membraneless organelle used to efficiently fix CO2 within cyanobacteria.33-35 The rate limiting step for cyanobacterial carbon fixation is catalyzed by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), which displays a low catalytic rate under reduced CO2 conditions and competing utilization of O2.36, 37 The...
Photosynthesis re-wired on the pico-second timescale - Nature
Grattieri, M., Beaver, K., Gaffney, E. M., Dong, F. & Minteer, S. D. Advancing the fundamental understanding and practical applications of photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Chem. Commun. 56, 8553–8568 (2020). Article CAS Google Scholar Zhang, J. Z. & Reisner, E. Advancing photosystem II photoelectrochemistry for semi-artificial photosynthesis. Nat. Rev. Chem. 4, 6–21 (2020). Article CAS Google Scholar Fu, H.-Y. et al. Redesigning the QA binding site of Photosystem II allows reduction of exogenous quinones. Nat. Commun.
Microbial Fermentation of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Waste for the Production of Chemicals or Electricity**
Abstract Microbial degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with Ideonella sakaiensis releases the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Here, a fermentative metabolic pathway in Ideonella sakaiensis was uncovered facilitating PET degradation while producing valuable feedstock chemicals or electricity in a microbial fuel cell with Geobacter sulfurreducens. This ‘plastic fermentation’ process provides opportunities for future bioenergy technologies while combating plastic pollution.
Floating perovskite-BiVO4 devices for scalable solar fuel production - Nature
Abstract Photoelectrochemical (PEC) artificial leaves hold the potential to lower the costs of sustainable solar fuel production by integrating light harvesting and catalysis within one compact device. However, current deposition techniques limit their scalability1, whereas fragile and heavy bulk materials can affect their transport and deployment. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of lightweight artificial leaves by employing thin, flexible substrates and carbonaceous protection layers.
Photocatalytic Removal of the Greenhouse Gas Nitrous Oxide by Liposomal Microreactors
Microreactor Assembly Proteoliposomes with MtrCAB and encapsulated N2O Reductase were formed from a suspension of both proteins with the non-ionic detergent octyl glucoside and Escherichia coli polar lipid extract (approximately 67 % phosphatidylethanolamine, 23 % phosphatidylglycerol, 10 % cardiolipin). Proteoliposome self-assembly, as detailed in the Supporting Information, was driven by the addition of nonpolar, neutral macroporous polystyrene beads to adsorb detergent.
Bacteria–photocatalyst sheet for sustainable carbon dioxide utilization - Nature Catalysis
Abstract The clean conversion of carbon dioxide and water to a single multicarbon product and O2 using sunlight via photocatalysis without the assistance of organic additives or electricity remains an unresolved challenge.
Long-term solar water and CO2 splitting with photoelectrochemical BiOI–BiVO4 tandems - Nature Materials
Abstract Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices have been developed for direct solar fuel production but the limited stability of submerged light absorbers can hamper their commercial prospects.1,2 Here, we demonstrate photocathodes with an operational H2 evolution activity over weeks, by integrating a BiOI light absorber into a robust, oxide-based architecture with a graphite paste conductive encapsulant.
A TiO2‐Co(terpyridine)2 Photocatalyst for the Selective Oxidation of Cellulose to Formate Coupled to the Reduction of CO2 to Syngas
Research Article Dr. Erwin Lam, orcid.org/0000-0002-8641-7928 Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, UK Search for more papers by this author Prof.
Chemical Science Symposium 2021: Biohybrid Approaches to Sustainable Energy Conversion
13 - 15 September 2021, United Kingdom Book now Introduction This virtual meeting is the next iteration in the Chemical Science symposia series hosted by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Under the banner of our flagship diamond open access journal, Chemical Science, we’ll be shining a spotlight on cutting-edge chemistry research and giving it the sort of attention that drives scientific progress and makes a difference.
Visible‐Light Promoted C-O Bond Formation with an Integrated Carbon Nitride-Nickel Heterogeneous Photocatalyst
Abstract Ni‐deposited mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (Ni‐mpg‐CNx) is introduced as an inexpensive, robust, easily synthesizable and recyclable material that functions as an integrated dual photocatalytic system. This material overcomes the need of expensive photosensitizers, organic ligands and additives as well as limitations of catalyst deactivation in the existing photo/Ni dual catalytic cross‐coupling reactions.
A diketopyrrolopyrrole dye-based dyad on a porous TiO2 photoanode for solar-driven water oxidation
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Synthetic Organic Design for Solar Fuel Systems
Abstract From the understanding of biological processes and metalloenzymes to the development of inorganic catalysts, electro‐ and photocatalytic systems for fuel generation have evolved considerably during the last decades. Recently, organic and hybrid organic systems have emerged to challenge the classical inorganic structures through their enormous chemical diversity and modularity that led earlier to their success in organic (opto)electronics.
Photoreforming of food waste into value-added products over visible-light-absorbing catalysts
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Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation Coupled to Pollutant Utilization Using Carbon Dots Produced from Biomass
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation Coupled to Pollutant Utilization Using Carbon Dots Produced from Biomass Photocatalysis is deemed as an appealing strategy to exploit solar energy for simultaneous fuel production and pollutant utilization. However, current photocatalytic systems rarely couple both processes and suffer from restricted scalability and sustainability as they use toxic and/or ultraviolet light harvesters, combined with noble-metal co-catalysts under corrosive conditions.
Carbon nitride as a heterogeneous visible-light photocatalyst for the Minisci reaction and coupling to H2 production
Carbon nitride as a heterogeneous visible-light photocatalyst for the Minisci reaction and coupling to H2 production† Cyanamide functionalised carbon nitride powder is reported as a photocatalyst for direct Minisci-type coupling of heteroarenes with ethers, alcohols, and amides using atmospheric oxygen as the oxidant at room temperature. This mild protocol displays broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance and the catalyst can be easily isolated and reused for several cycles.
Bias-free solar syngas production by integrating a molecular cobalt catalyst with perovskite–BiVO4 tandems
Abstract The photoelectrochemical (PEC) production of syngas from water and CO2 represents an attractive technology towards a circular carbon economy. However, the high overpotential, low selectivity and cost of commonly employed catalysts pose challenges for this sustainable energy-conversion process.
Photoreforming of Non-Recyclable Plastic Waste over a Carbon Nitride/Nickel Phosphide Catalyst
RETURN TO JUST ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPTSPREVArticleNEXT Taylor Uekert Hatice Kasap Erwin Reisner LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICS Article Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days. Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily.
Visible‐light driven CO2 reduction by mesoporous carbon nitride modified with polymeric cobalt phthalocyanine - Roy - - Angewandte Chemie International Edition - Wiley Online Library
Communication Visible‐light driven CO2 reduction by mesoporous carbon nitride modified with polymeric cobalt phthalocyanine Erwin Reisner Corresponding Author E-mail address: reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk University of Cambridge, Chemistry, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, UNITED KINGDOM Search for more papers by this author PDF PDF Share Abstract The integration of molecular catalysts with low‐cost, solid light absorbers presents a promising strategy to construct catalysts for the generation of...
Protein film electrochemical EPR spectroscopy as a technique to investigate redox reactions in biomolecules
Protein film electrochemical EPR spectroscopy as a technique to investigate redox reactions in biomolecules Redox reactions and paramagnetic intermediates are ubiquitous in biological chemistry. We report a new method, protein film electrochemical electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PFE-EPR), that enables the direct and accurate potential control of proteins on the electrode surface for both electrochemical and EPR spectroscopic characterisation of their redox centres.
When Does Organic Photoredox Catalysis Meet Artificial Photosynthesis?
Abstract “Although the same basics of photocatalysis unite applications in artificial photosynthesis, photoreformation, photoredox catalysis and photodynamic therapy, they are being developed in surprising isolation. … This editorial is a call to join forces and embrace progress in all of these areas to enable accelerated development of a more holistic science in photocatalysis. …” Read more in the Guest Editorial by E. Reisner.
When Does Organic Photoredox Catalysis Meet Artificial Photosynthesis?
Abstract “Although the same basics of photocatalysis unite applications in artificial photosynthesis, photoreformation, photoredox catalysis and photodynamic therapy, they are being developed in surprising isolation. … This editorial is a call to join forces and embrace progress in all of these areas to enable accelerated development of a more holistic science in photocatalysis. …” Read more in the Guest Editorial by E. Reisner.
Photoreforming of Lignocellulose into H2 Using Nanoengineered Carbon Nitride under Benign Conditions
Photoreforming of lignocellulose is a promising approach toward sustainable H generation, but this kinetically challenging reaction currently requires UV-absorbing or toxic light absorbers under harsh conditions. Here, we report a cyanamide-functionalized carbon nitride, NCNCN , which shows enhanced performance upon ultrasonication.
Catalysis by Design: Development of a Bifunctional Water Splitting Catalyst through an Operando Measurement Directed Optimization Cycle
A critical challenge in energy research is the development of earth abundant and cost-effective materials that catalyze the electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen at high rates and low overpotentials.
Solar Hydrogen Generation from Lignocellulose
Photocatalytic reforming of lignocellulosic biomass is an emerging approach to produce renewable H2. This process combines photo‐oxidation of aqueous biomass with photocatalytic hydrogen evolution at ambient temperature and pressure. Biomass conversion is less energy demanding than water splitting and generates high‐purity H2 without O2 production. Direct photoreforming of raw, unprocessed biomass has the potential to provide affordable and clean energy from locally sourced materials and waste.
Solar hydrogen generation from lignocellulose
Photocatalytic reforming of lignocellulosic biomass is an emerging approach to produce renewable H2. This process combines photo-oxidation of aqueous biomass with photocatalytic hydrogen evolution at ambient temperature and pressure. Biomass conversion is less energy demanding than water splitting and generates high-purity H2 without O2 production. Direct photoreforming of raw, unprocessed biomass has the potential to provide affordable, clean energy across the globe from locally sourced materials.
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