BRIN develops bio-photovoltaic solar cell technology

JAKARTA, 22 June (BelTA - ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing renewable energy technology through innovative bio-photovoltaic solar cells based on photosynthetic pigments derived from purple bacteria (Rhodobacter sphaeroides).

Tulus, a researcher at BRIN’s Research Center for Nanotechnology Systems, said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday that the study focuses on utilizing the reaction center-light-harvesting 1 (RC-LH1) photosynthetic protein complex from purple bacteria as a light-absorbing layer in solar cells.

“This biological material is combined with various semiconductor layers to generate charge separation when exposed to sunlight,” he explained.

Tulus said the research team employed a layered electrode structure consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and fullerene (C60) as the cathode to collect electrons. Meanwhile, layers of molybdenum oxide and silver were used as the anode to collect holes.

According to him, the research introduces a novel approach to photovoltaic technology by utilizing the natural photosynthetic system of purple bacteria. These bacteria are non-pathogenic, making them safe to use, and they possess highly efficient photosynthetic capabilities.

“In principle, photosynthesis and photovoltaics share common characteristics because both utilize solar energy. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, while photovoltaics converts it into electrical energy,” he said.

Tulus noted that the primary advantage of the purple bacterium’s photosynthetic system lies in its high quantum efficiency and excellent charge-separation capability.

These characteristics make RC-LH1 a promising biological material for the development of bio-photovoltaic technology.

“Through this research, we aim to utilize photosynthetic components from purple bacteria as materials capable of converting light energy into higher-value electrical energy,” he said.

He explained that the technology falls under the category of third-generation solar cells, which are part of emerging photovoltaic technologies, particularly bio-solar cells.

The technology is considered more sustainable because it uses environmentally friendly materials, can be processed at relatively low temperatures, and relies on abundant natural resources.

Tulus expressed optimism about the research outcomes, noting that the bio-photovoltaic device developed by the team successfully achieved a very high open-circuit voltage for a solid-state bio-photovoltaic system.

“To the best of our knowledge, this achievement remains among the best results reported in the field of solid-state bio-photovoltaics for open-circuit voltage performance. The next challenge is to increase the generated current in order to improve the device’s overall efficiency,” he said.

The research is the result of an international collaboration involving BRIN, the University of Bristol represented by Prof. Mike Jones, and researchers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The collaboration aims to develop innovative solar-cell designs that can support the transition toward clean and sustainable energy in the future.