Light harvesting and photo-induced electrochemical devices based on bionanocage proteins

Abstract

In this study, bionanoferritin based Fe and Mn having nanocages, FeMnFBNC's, have adsorbed onto the immobilized graphene surface by electrostatic bonding. This immobilization enhances the capability of electron transfer between the bionanoferritin layer and graphene surface owing to the well-designed robust bionanocage structure. FeMnFBNCs have electronic bridges that consist of some tyrosine and ferritin amino acid residues with visible light photocrosslinking system between iron and manganese metals, which are capable of electron transfer that allows designing electrochemical and energy harvesting devices. Additionally, a novel hybrid and self-assembly bio-dye-approach as a new generation of dye-sensitized solar cells has been developed. Bionanoferritin/graphene/TiO2 based Bio-N-DSSC molecules can provide an intriguing alternative to traditional materials utilized in dye-sensitized solar cells.