The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing\nsolar cell technology based on photosynthetic pigments from purple\nbacteria as a renewable energy alternative. The innovation leverages the\nbacteria\u2019s natural ability to capture sunlight to produce electrical\nenergy.<\/p>\n
Tulus, an engineer at BRIN\u2019s Nanotechnology Systems Research Centre,\nsaid the research focuses on utilising the reaction centre-light\nharvesting 1 (RC-LH1) protein complex from the purple bacterium\nRhodobacter sphaeroides as a light-absorbing layer in solar cell\ndevices. \u201cThese biological materials are combined with various\nsemiconductor layers to generate charge separation when exposed to\nsunlight,\u201d he stated on Monday (15\/6\/2026).<\/p>\n
According to Tulus, this research presents a new approach in\nphotovoltaic technology development by exploiting the natural\nphotosynthetic system of purple bacteria. Besides being safe to use as\nthey are non-pathogenic, these bacteria possess efficient photosynthetic\ncapabilities. The research team employed a layered electrode structure\nof indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and fullerene (C60) as a\ncathode to collect electrons, while molybdenum oxide and silver layers\nwere used as an anode to collect holes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn principle, photosynthesis and photovoltaics share similarities,\nboth utilising solar energy. Photosynthesis converts light energy into\nchemical energy, whereas photovoltaics convert it into electrical\nenergy,\u201d Tulus explained. He noted that the main advantage of the purple\nbacteria\u2019s photosynthetic system lies in its high quantum efficiency and\nexcellent charge separation capability. These characteristics make\nRC-LH1 a potentially valuable biological material for supporting the\ndevelopment of bio-photovoltaic technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough this research, we are striving to utilise components of\npurple bacteria photosynthesis as materials to convert light energy into\nhigher-value electrical energy,\u201d he said. The technology developed by\nBRIN falls under the category of third-generation solar cells, part of\nthe emerging photovoltaics group, specifically bio-solar cells. In\naddition to using environmentally friendly materials, the technology is\nprocessed at low temperatures and utilises abundant natural resources,\nmaking it more sustainable compared to conventional technologies.<\/p>\n
Tulus said initial research results show promising achievements. The\nbio-photovoltaic device developed is capable of producing a high\nopen-circuit voltage value for the solid-state bio-photovoltaic\ncategory. \u201cTo our knowledge, this achievement remains one of the best\nresults in the field of solid-state bio-photovoltaics for the\nopen-circuit voltage parameter. The next challenge is to increase the\ncurrent generated so that the overall efficiency of the device becomes\neven higher,\u201d Tulus remarked.<\/p>\n
This research is a collaboration between BRIN, the University of\nBristol through Prof.\u00a0Mike Jones, and researchers from Vrije\nUniversiteit Amsterdam. The collaboration aims to develop innovative\nsolar cell designs that can support the transition towards clean and\nsustainable energy.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/brin-develops-solar-cells-from-purple-bacteria-1781495571", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }