Biohybrid photoelectrodes for solar photovoltaic applications

The biohybrid photoelectrodes have been studied for photovoltaic applications. The hybrid solar cells were prepared using natural dyes and sputtered zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate. The natural dyes were extracted from basil (tulsi) leaves, spinach, thor (chhitar thor opuntia or prickly pear), pomegranate and sunflower. The dye-modified photoelectrodes expands the light absorbance of the solar spectrum. They have shown an enhancement in photocurrent and photovoltage under illumination relative to the unmodified photoelectrodes. The photovoltage and photocurrent of hybrid cells were measured to test the devices under light in active area of 1×1 cm². The hybrid solar cells have achieved solar energy conversion efficiency from 0.01 to 0.1%. Hybrid solar cells may lead to inexpensive and environment friendly solar energy conversion applications, such as solar electricity and solar fuels. (author)