Photochemical energy production

The aim of the PEP project is to construct molecular components potentially useful for supramolecular or nanoscale devices for the light-induced production of electricity. The design of this system is inspired by Photosystem II (PSII) which is found in plants and some bacteria. PSII is a collection of membrane bound proteins with light absorbing, electron and proton transport co-factors which work together with a water-oxidation site (WOC). The WOC site contains manganese and calcium ions from where electrons and protons (energy") are generated from water. This reaction is of enormous interest in finding new ways of producing hydrogen, society's future energy needs. There are three main areas of focus: 1) Photoactive complexes and charge separation. 2) Nanowires and conducting polymers. 3) Models for WOC. The PEP project combines the expertise of a group of organic and biocoordination and structural chemists. Initially all participants were located geographically closely at SDU Odense