Dye-sensitized solar cells based on natural and artificial phycobiliproteins to capture low light underwater

Abstract

We developed dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on natural and artificial phycobiliproteins (PBPs) to capture low light underwater. We assembled DSSCs with seven types of PBPs as sensitizers and studied their photoelectric properties. The results showed that the PBPs could markedly improve the photoelectrical properties of the DSSCs. The sensitization achieved by B-phycoerythrin (B-PE) from Porphyridium cruentum was superior to that of the other PBPs. The short-circuit current density, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSSC containing B-PE with a mesoporous titanium dioxide film as a photoelectrode were 3.236 mA/cm2, 0.545 V, 0.569, and 1%, respectively. The DSSC based on B-PE displayed its highest photoelectric conversion efficiency between 525 and 570 nm. However, the maximum photoelectric conversion efficiencies of the DSSCs based on C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis and artificial PBPs were observed around 690 nm. DSSCs containing B-PE show great potential for use in underwater photovoltaic applications.