Ordered energy conversion systems inspired from the biological world

Abstract

Current energy-related technologies, many of which are energy-inefficient and extremely polluting, are being reevaluated in light of the pressing need for high-efficiency and low-emission energy conversion systems. The natural world, particularly biological systems, has demonstrated the ability to achieve high efficiency and minimal energy consumption through the systematic and ordered organization of energy and mass transport. Accordingly, these biological systems can offer valuable insights for the design of high-efficiency energy conversion systems. This perspective explores the potential for constructing efficient and ordered energy conversion systems by drawing inspiration from the remarkable biological structures and efficient biological processes. We choose several typical examples, including salinity gradient energy conversion, interfacial solar steam generation and photovoltaic systems with perovskite solar cells, to illustrate the role of biomimetic structures in improving energy conversion efficiency; using bionic ocean-batteries, artificial photosynthetic systems and photocatalytic ammonia synthesis, and the importance of biomimetic processes in constructing environment-friendly energy conversion systems is emphasized. In addressing the urgent issues facing the energy industry, this study highlights the value of multidisciplinary research that combines biology and engineering, offering innovative solutions for developing efficient, clean, and low-carbon energy conversion systems.