Hybrid nanostructures for solar-energy-conversion applications

Solar energy harvesting through photovoltaic conversion is the most promising technology for renewable energy production. Nanoscience and nanotechnology have enabled the development of hybrid and multifunctional materials for harnessing solar energy. Hybrid nanomaterials consist of more than two nanomaterials to improve the individual performance of the components. In this paper, the authors explain and review two approaches to solar energy harvesting – namely, photovoltaic and photosynthetic. Natural photosynthetic biomaterials such as photosystem I, photosystem II, proteins and bacteria extracted from various leaves, plants or fruits can be used with inorganic nanomaterials to enhance the efficiencies of hybrid solar cells. The authors review biohybrid solar cells based on various natural dyes and nanostructures such as quantum dots, nanotubes, thin films and bulk nanoparticles. Biohybrid nanostructures have the potential to absorb almost 100% light, and hence, they can exhibit an extraordinary efficiency of up to 100%. Artificial photosynthetic systems such as photoelectrochemical cells may be built using biohybrid materials for solar energy conversion at a low cost and in an eco-friendly manner. Biohybrid nanostructured light-harvesting devices are desirable for high efficiency with a wide spectral response. Hybrid solar cells can change the path of next-generation hybrid solar cell technology.