Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) developed innovative bio-photovoltaic solar cells based on photosynthetic pigments from purple bacteria (Rhodobacter sphaeroides). This technology uses biological materials as the primary component of third-generation solar cells, which are more environmentally friendly and potentially more cost-effective to produce.
Tulus, an engineer at the Research Center for Nanotechnology Systems at BRIN, explained that the research focuses on using the photosynthetic protein complex reaction center-light-harvesting 1 (RC-LH1) from purple bacteria as a light-absorbing layer in solar cells devices.
"The biological material is combined with various semiconductor layers to produce electrical charge separation when exposed to sunlight," said Tulus.
Development Process
In its development, Tulus said, the research team used a layered electrode structure 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. Between the two electrodes, the active material RC-LH1 is placed, which plays a role in the process of converting light energy into electrical energy.
Tulus explained that this research presents a new approach to developing photovoltaic technology by utilizing the natural photosynthetic system of purple bacteria. These bacteria are non-pathogenic, making them safe to use and possessing highly efficient photosynthetic capabilities.
"In principle, photosynthesis and photovoltaics are similar: they both utilize sunlight energy. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, while photovoltaics converts it into electrical energy," he said.
In addition to producing clean energy innovations, this research also opens up opportunities to increase the added value of purple bacteria biomass, which currently lacks significant economic value.
The technology developed by BRIN, he explained, falls into the category of third-generation solar cells, which are part of emerging photovoltaic technologies, specifically biosolar cells. This technology is considered more sustainable because it uses green materials, is processed at low temperatures, and utilizes abundant natural resources.
Collaboration with International Institutions
This research is the result of an international collaboration between BRIN, the University of Bristol through Prof. Mike Jones, and researchers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The collaboration aims to develop innovative solar cell designs that can support the transition to clean and sustainable energy in the future.
Through this innovation, BRIN demonstrates its commitment to providing green energy technology solutions based on Indonesian bioresources while strengthening Indonesia's position in the development of next-generation photovoltaic technology globally.
Conclusion
BRIN developed bio-photovoltaic solar cell technology based on photosynthetic pigments from purple bacteria (Rhodobacter sphaeroides) as a more environmentally friendly and low-cost renewable energy alternative. This research utilizes the photosynthetic protein RC-LH1 as an active light-absorbing material combined with various semiconductor layers to convert solar energy into electricity. This research is a collaboration between BRIN, the University of Bristol, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
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