Scientists Build ‘Living’ Nanoreactor to Boost Artificial Photosynthesis

Artificial photosynthesis has taken a significant step forward after researchers developed a biomimetic nanoreactor that mimics the internal organization of living cells, enabling more efficient conversion of sunlight into valuable chemicals. The innovation could accelerate the development of sustainable technologies for clean energy production, green chemical manufacturing and advanced catalytic systems. The newly engineered nanoreactor reproduces two key strategies used by living cells to control complex chemical reactions. By combining a hollow nanoscale architecture with a specialized proton-relay mechanism, the system significantly enhances the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) under visible light while improving overall reaction efficiency.

Scientists said the achievement demonstrates how biological principles can be adapted to create highly efficient artificial systems capable of performing sophisticated chemical processes. At the heart of the technology is a hollow cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanostructure coated with a polydopamine shell. The design incorporates a dynamic catechol/o-benzoquinone redox pair that functions as a proton relay, repeatedly accepting and donating protons to accelerate proton-coupled electron transfer, a critical process in artificial photosynthesis. Unlike biological cells, which actively pump protons across membranes, the synthetic system achieves similar functionality through continuous proton exchange, enabling faster and more efficient chemical reactions.

The nanoreactor also features a compartmentalized structure inspired by living cells. Its porous outer shell encloses a nanoscale cavity that concentrates reactants, facilitates mass transport and traps incoming light, creating ideal conditions for photocatalytic reactions. Researchers found that these two biomimetic mechanisms work together to balance the competing reaction rates of oxygen reduction and water oxidation, two essential processes in photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production.

During laboratory testing under visible-light illumination in water, the nanoreactor achieved a hydrogen peroxide photosynthesis rate of 3.24 millimoles per gram of catalyst per hour while recording a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 1.2 percent, a notable improvement for artificial photosynthetic systems. To better understand the technology, the research team employed advanced analytical techniques, including in-situ spectroscopy, photochemical measurements, finite-element simulations and theoretical calculations. Their findings revealed that the photocatalytic process operates through a Z-scheme heterojunction, a configuration that enhances charge separation and improves overall photocatalytic performance.

The scientists further enhanced the material’s practical applications by embedding the nanoreactor in an environmentally friendly sodium alginate hydrogel. The resulting solid photocatalyst can be easily recovered and reused while maintaining stable hydrogen peroxide production under natural sunlight, addressing one of the major challenges facing photocatalytic technologies.

Researchers believe the breakthrough offers a promising pathway toward engineering increasingly sophisticated nanoreactors capable of replicating more complex cellular functions. Beyond hydrogen peroxide production, the technology could have broad applications in artificial photosynthesis, renewable energy conversion, green catalysis and synthetic chemistry, potentially contributing to cleaner industrial processes and future carbon-neutral energy solutions.

The study highlights the growing convergence of nanotechnology and biology, demonstrating how insights from living systems can inspire next-generation materials designed to capture solar energy more efficiently and drive sustainable chemical production.

Source: Dalian Institute Of Chemical Physics
Author: Joyce Owusu