Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis: Solar Power as an Energy Source [Hardcover]

This technical book explores current and future applications of solar power as an unlimited source of energy that earth receives every day.? Photosynthetic organisms have learned to utilize this abundant source of energy by converting it into high-energy biochemical compounds.? Inspired by the efficient conversion of solar energy into an electron flow, attempts have been made to construct artificial photosynthetic systems capable of establishing a charge separation state for generating electricity or driving chemical reactions.? Another important aspect of photosynthesis is the CO2 fixation and the production of high energy compounds.? Photosynthesis can produce biomass using solar energy while reducing the CO2 level in air.? Biomass can be converted into biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol. Under certain conditions, photosynthetic organisms can also produce hydrogen gas which is one of the cleanest sources of energy.

Preface xv

Contributors xix

Acronyms xxiii

1 Physics Overview of Solar Energy 1
Diego Castano

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 The Sun 2

1.3 Light 3

1.4 Thermodynamics 6

1.5 Photovoltaics 9

1.6 Photosynthesis 11

References 12

2 Oxygenic Photosynthesis 13
Dmitriy Shevela, Lars Olof Bj?orn, and Govindjee

2.1 Introduction 13

2.2 Path of Energy: From Photons to Charge Separation 16

2.3 Electron Transfer Pathways 22

2.4 Photophosphorylation 30

2.5 Carbon Dioxide to Organic Compounds 33

2.6 Evolution of Oxygenic Photosynthesis 37

2.7 Some Interesting Questions about Whole Plants 42

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