Hybrid Dye sanitised solar cell -Electrochemical Cell System for Simultaneous Energy Generation and Carbon dioxide Capture: A Novel Approach for Sustainable Energy Production

Project SHAPE (Solar Harnessing for Advanced energy Production and Emission capture) will develop a novel solar cell system involving two major innovations: an advanced power production cell and an integrated carbon dioxide (CO2) capture cell. The system will utilize third-generation photovoltaic technology, specifically a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), with a common cathode, which will simultaneously serve as the CO2 conversion cell anode. This innovative design will allow the integrated system to achieve unassisted CO2 reduction to CO under solar irradiation, whist the power production element will achieve greater efficiency than current technologies, along with enhanced sustainability and safety. SHAPE is focused on the ambitious objective of a dual-purpose device, delivering simultaneously solar-driven carbon dioxide conversion and sustainable energy generation and storage, offering a novel technology capable of contributing towards the goal to achieve a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.