Artificial Cellular Metabolism
Abstract
The objective of this program is to develop catalysts capable of efficiently and completely extracting energy from carbon-based substrates to achieve maximum power efficiencies. The strategy pursued in the program is an artificial analogue of cellular metabolism and aims to provide a practical and efficient route to extracting energy from simple sugars, saccharides, and hydrocarbons, as well as alcohols and cellulosic based substrates available in field operationsincluding lignin and seaweed. The mechanism by which energy conversion operates in biology is derived from the coupling of protons to electrons (i.e., proton-coupled electron transfer, PCET). Catalysts will be optimized to generate highly reactive intermediates capable of PCET-driven bond breaking of carbon-based substrates to deliver carbon dioxide as the terminal product. Theanticipated outcome and DoD impact of the research is to deliver readily available sources of energy at maximal power for field operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012679
Entities
People
- Daniel G. Nocera
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- President and Fellows of Harvard College
- United States Navy