A chlorophyll derivative-based bio-solar energy conversion and storage device. (1st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Chao; Zhao, Wenjie; Sasaki, Shin-ichi; Tamiaki, Hitoshi; Wang, Xiao-Feng
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 347(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-01
• Subjects: Chlorophyll derivative -- Energy conversion and storage device -- Bio-solar cell -- Hybrid capacitor; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.136283
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Abstract: Chlorophylls (Chls) are the most abundant natural photosynthetic pigments, with light harvesting and electron/energy transferring functions. We demonstrate a low-cost and environment friendly solar energy conversion and storage device, based entirely on Chl derivatives. To fabricate a hybrid capacitor, we employed zinc methyl 3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-pyropheophorbide- a (Chl-1) aggregates as a positive electrode, in conjunction with an activated carbon-based negative electrode. The Chl-1 aggregates showed a typical battery characteristic with a pair of redox peaks in a three-electrode system. The gravimetric capacitance in 2 M KOH at 10 mV/s was 55.2 F/g. The hybrid capacitor, with a large potential window range from 0.6 to 1.7 V, was connected to a series trilayer Chl-based bio-solar cell for photo-charging and discharging tests. Under 1.5G illumination, the device reached its high potential window of 1.7 V in a short time and finished three charging/discharging cycles in 60 s. This study provides a unique approach for the future development of a sustainable society with green energy materials. Highlights: Chlorophyll derivative could store energy as an electrode of supercapcitor. We assembled a Chlorophyll/Activated carbon hybrid capacitor. The capacitor connected with Chl-based solar cells to form an environmental device.