Bridging Photosynthesis & photovoltaics : lessons learned from nature for next generation solar energy conversion (R-12650)

Photosynthesis is considered as one of the most important biological processes on Earth, allowing plants and other organisms to harvest energy from the sun to power life. During millions of years of evolution, the photosynthetic apparatus has evolved to a very complex system with ingenious solutions for specific functionalities. In the development of next generation photovoltaic solar cells and solar energy conversion, nature can be of great inspiration and important lessons can be learned in bridging photosynthesis and photovoltaics.

Keywords:Photosynthesis,, solar energy

Disciplines:Applied and interdisciplinary physics, Molecular and organic electronics, Nanobiotechnology, Photodetectors, optical sensors and solar cells