Catalysts that act like molecular 'machines' are Complex in their actions and provide examples of Complex Systems.  This is because they involve multiple components interacting cooperatively in a synchronized, time-dependent manner.  In the absence of the necessary synchronization, each individual component within a machine is unable to achieve a useful effect and is therefore quite useless. Several of the biological catalysts, known as enzymes, also appear to display characteristics of a mechanical action.  We have, consequently, developed a model of the Photosystem II Water Oxidizing Complex found in all photosynthetic organisms, that spontaneously oxidizes water when illuminated with light under a bias of 1.00 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Recent development has shown that polymer films (except nafion) could be used as a platform matrix for loading catalysts with uniform distribution for photo-catalysed water oxidation from an electrolyte of distilled water, or even directly from seawater.

Homogeneous catalysts with a mechanical (“machine-like”) action: Catalytic solar water splitting inspired by photosynthesis

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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