(European Section Heinz Gerischer Award Presentation) Some Major Electrochemical Challenges Towards a Sustainable Energy Future

Abstract

Most precise and challenging standards towards a sustainable energy future have been given by nature`s own energy system, which has shaped our climate and enabled higher life. It converts light into electrochemical energy, uses this energy to split water, and attaches hydrogen to carbon carrying molecules (carbon dioxide) for energy and chemicals. This contribution will analyse what we know about the basic mechanisms involved and what we still have to learn when following the energy strategy of evolution on a high technical level. Nature achieves photovoltaic energy conversion kinetically by simply allowing electron transfer only into one direction. Its function can be derived from the principle of least action. Binding of water to a catalyst is critical for water splitting and requires a coordination chemical mechanisms as well as feedback controlled self-organized electron transfer. Since efficient direct carbon dioxide reduction essentially failed a biomimetic electrochemical carbon dioxide fixation strategy is discussed.