Biomimetic approach to synthesize sensitizers for hybrid solar cells

Natural light harvesting organisms use self-assembled dye structures to absorb light and transfer energy. These self-assembled structures have high extinction coefficient and transfer energy efficiently. Aerosol-based method of electrospray deposition is demonstrated to assemble dyes and also deposit the structures onto a surface. The kinetics of assembly are studied to understand the optimal conditions for assembly. Finally a concept of novel device using self-assembled structures which allows broad absorption spectrum and increased efficiency is explained.