Plug-n-Play Micro-Bio-Photovoltaic Panels
Abstract
The overarching purpose of this project is to pursue three applied research aims that will create a self-sustainable and scalable micro-bio-photovoltaic panel by connecting multiple miniature bio-photovoltaic modules in an array with plug-n-play capability. Significant performance enhancement of individual bio-photovoltaic cells will be first achieved by creating an electrochemically activeand sustainable living bioelectrode that has an engineered microbial consortium. Seamless integration of the living organisms in an electropolymerized conductive polymer and the synergistic cooperation between microorganisms will dramatically improve the power and lifetime of the bio-photovoltaic cells. The functional living electrode engineered in the quasi-solid-state polymer reduces the physicochemical mismatch between aqueous biological systems and waterless inorganic external electronics and creates an effective coupling at the biotic-abiotic interface through biological electron conduits produced from the cross-feeding microbial consortium. The self-sustainable capability can be considerably enhanced by passivating the micro-bio-photovoltaics with a hygroscopic and self-healable packaging layer, which sustainably harnesses ambient moisture for photosynthesis and automatically heals damages that originated from operation in wild environments. A low-power temperature control system will be integrated into the micro-bio-photovoltaics,leading to a constant power generation even in varying temperature conditions. This project will demonstrate a high-performance power generator that can be self-sustainable in natural settings and ensure the practical efficacy of the proposed plug-n-play modular bio-photovoltaic panel as a power supply for real-world wireless sensor network applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112412
Entities
People
- Seokheun Choi
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Research Foundation for the State University of New York
- United States Navy