Title :
A bio-solar cell powered by sub-cellular plant photosystems
Author :
Lam, Kim B. ; Johnson, Eric ; Lin, Liwei
Author_Institution :
Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center, California Univ., Berkeley, CA, USA
Abstract :
A microfabricated biomimetic solar cell was demonstrated that harnesses the sub-cellular thylakoid photosystems isolated from spinach cells to convert light energy into electricity. Subject to light intensity of 2000 μmol photons/m2/s, it generated an open circuit voltage of 470 mV and a current density of 1.0 μA/cm2 at 5.2 μV, output that is comparable to other microfabricated biological fuel cells. In the present anode/PEM/cathode configuration, the bio-solar cell can serve as a power source for micro-scale devices like remote sensors or autonomous robots. Yet, because it directly interfaces with forms of cellular energy (NADPH, proton-motive force, ATP) generated by photosynthesis, the bio-solar cell can also be a potential power source for nanoscale molecular motors like ATP synthase, kinesin, and myosin.
Keywords :
bioenergy conversion; biomimetics; fuel cells; photosynthesis; solar cells; 470 mV; 5.2 muV; autonomous robots; bioenergy conversion; microfabricated biological fuel cells; microfabricated biomimetic solar cell; microscale devices; power source; remote sensors; spinach cells; subcellular thylakoid photosystems; Anodes; Biomimetics; Cathodes; Circuits; Current density; Energy conversion; Fuel cells; Photovoltaic cells; Solar power generation; Voltage;
Conference_Titel :
Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, 2004. 17th IEEE International Conference on. (MEMS)
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8265-X
DOI :
10.1109/MEMS.2004.1290562
