Enhanced Photo-Generated Carrier Transport Mechanism in an Excitonic Photocell

Abstract

Enhanced photo-generated carrier transport mechanism in an excitonic photocell is presented in this research project. The developed photovoltaic device implements nanoparticles of magnetites isolated from magnetosomes of Magnetotactic Bacteria (MTB) for the efficient transport of excitons. By integrating nanoparticles of magnetite in the excitonic photocell, the overall efficiency and temperature stabilization of the device were enhanced. A panchromatic ruthenium complex sensitizer dye was applied to increase molar extinction coefficient in the solar cell. Applying Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanowires an improved circulation of photo-generated carriers with trap diffusion was created maximizing transport efficiency. The operation of this device involves the use of MTB as vehicle for the acceleration of the photo-generated excitons for a speedy dissociation and conversion to electrical energy. The developed device achieved a fill factor of 0.82 and overall efficiency of 13.2% attributed to the MTB. The availability of the device materials makes it feasible for mass production.