Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Artificial Photosynthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for artificial, modular, supramolecular photosystems with a tractable degree of structural complexity capable of carrying out the fundamental photosynthetic processes, particularly for efficient energy conversion and storage, as existing technologies face challenges in storing photovoltaic energy effectively due to low energy density in charge storage devices.

Innovation Solution

A light-harvesting antenna (LHA) comprising a conjugated polyelectrolyte complex (CPEC) formed by a donor CPE and an acceptor CPE, which are an electronic energy transfer (EET) pair, potentially encapsulated in a membrane or vesicle, along with a reaction center (RC) to facilitate artificial photosynthesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If photovoltaic devices are used for energy conversion, then electric potential energy can be generated, but the energy storage efficiency is low due to low energy density in charge storage devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining conjugated polyelectrolyte donors with acceptor molecules to form polyelectrolyte complexes. These composite structures enable both efficient energy conversion through electronic energy transfer and high energy density through molecular-level organization, resolving the contradiction between conversion efficiency and storage density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the electronic energy levels, charge ratios, and molecular structures of the conjugated polyelectrolyte components. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves simultaneous improvement in energy conversion efficiency and energy storage density, as the electronic energy transfer efficiency and charge storage capacity are both enhanced through precise parameter control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If complex photosynthetic machinery is used, then energy conversion efficiency is high, but the structural complexity becomes unmanageable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the photosynthetic function into distinct modular components: conjugated polyelectrolyte donors for light absorption, acceptor molecules for energy reception, and organized assemblies for energy transfer. This modular segmentation maintains high energy conversion efficiency while making the system structurally manageable and easier to design and implement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conjugated polyelectrolyte complexes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as light absorbers, energy transfer mediators, and charge storage units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex components, thereby simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining efficient energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If charge storage devices are used, then energy can be stored for later use, but the energy density is relatively low making large-scale storage difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage durationVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by organizing acceptor molecules within the structure of conjugated polyelectrolyte complexes, creating a hierarchical arrangement where energy storage units are nested within energy transfer structures. This nested organization maximizes energy density by utilizing the internal space efficiently while maintaining the functionality of both storage and transfer, enabling large-scale energy storage with high density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The CPEC-based LHA and RC system enables efficient energy transfer and storage, mimicking natural photosynthesis, enhancing the ability to convert sunlight into chemical potential energy, thereby addressing the limitations of existing energy storage methods.

Implementation Method 1

a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) complex (CPEC) comprising a donor CPE and an acceptor CPE, wherein the donor CPE and acceptor CPE are an electronic energy transfer (EET) donor/acceptor pair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectronic energy transfer (EET): Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

capable of carrying out the fundamental photosynthetic processes... enhancing the ability to convert sunlight into chemical potential energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArtificial photosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 3

the CPE complex (CPEC) is formed via electrostatic interactions between the donor CPE and the acceptor CPE

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interactions: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11682742B2Complementary conjugated polyelectrolyte complexes as electronic energy relays

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to artificial photosystems and methods of their use, for example in artificial photosynthesis, wherein the artificial photosystems comprise one or more light-harvesting antenna (LHA) comprising a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) complex (CPEC) comprising a donor CPE and an acceptor CPE, wherein the donor CPE and acceptor CPE are an electronic energy transfer (EET) donor/acceptor pair.