A Review of Bacterial-sensitizers for Photovoltaic Devices

Document Type : Review paper

Authors

1 a) Department of Organic Colorants; Institute for Color Science and Technology, b) Center of Excellence for Color Science and Technology

2 Environmental research Department, Institute for Color Science and Technology

Abstract

Evolution has been optimizing proteins for light reception and energy conversion for more than 3.5 billion years. The use of genetic engineering and bio-dyes has provided an array of new materials that have enhanced properties. Dye-sensitized solar cells based on bio-photosensitizers (bio-sensitized DSSCs) are promising bio-photoelectronic devices for electrical energy preparation. In this paper, a comprehensive study was presented on the mechanisms involved in the utilization of bio-dyes for an improved bio-sensitized DSSCs performance. Protein complexes, and chlorophyll a and carotenoids are among many bio-photosensitizers demonstrating high incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE). Like other sensitizers, the band- gap is an important factor in final performance of the optical component. Theoretical-average HOMO-to-LUMO band-gaps of 2.46, 5.22, 4.13, 1.13, 3.15, and 2.22 eV were calculated for anthocyanin, carotenoid, chlorophyll, cyanine, xanthene, and coumarin, respectively. It is more probable that low dye band-gaps result in enhanced HOMO-electron excitation and e-h pair generation. The highest conversion efficiency for bio-DSSCs based on PPB+Spx is about 4%.

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Main Subjects


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