Artificial membrane harvests light

Photosensitive compounds built into an artificial membrane can capture light energy in the same way as proton pumps found in biological cells. Scientists in Switzerland say their system could open up new approaches to solar power generation and artificial photosynthesis.

In cells, proton pumps are transporter proteins that ferry hydrogen ions across a membrane. This creates a proton gradient where the pH and charge differ significantly on either side of the membrane, which acts as a store of electrochemical energy.

A team led by Eric Bakker at the University of Geneva has created a proton pump using a photochromic spiropyran compound, which switches between different forms in response to light. 

This article provides a link to coverage by Chemistry World