Project description
Improving the efficiency of alga-based photovoltaic devices
Described as the biggest threat modern humans have ever faced, climate change requires clean energy solutions. Photovoltaic cells that utilise the photosynthetic properties of algae are considered an ideal candidate to convert light into electric current. The EU-funded EnergUP project aims to sizeably improve the efficiency of algae-based photovoltaic devices, making them a good choice for clean energy. Specifically, researchers will use genetically modified algae to carry mutations that enable the cells to shorten the distance to the electrode surface, thereby enabling more efficient electron transfer. Certain cell wall layers of the genetically modified algae species under study will be biochemically removed to facilitate electron diffusion from inside the microorganisms to the electrode.
Objective
The aim of the EnergUP project is to substantially improve the efficiency of the alga-based photovoltaic devices and thereby to contribute to the development of a climate-neutral technology. We will apply various strategies to enhance the current production by photosynthetic organisms using bio-photo electrochemical cells (BPEC). We seek for sustainable solutions without the usage of toxic chemicals or invasive cell treatments. In our experimental photovoltaic device, the electric current is transferred form the cells towards the electrode by a soluble electron mediator molecule. The electric current production of the cells is strongly limited 1) by the donation of electrons from algal cells towards the meditator molecule, 2) by the diffusion capacity of the mediator molecule through the multi-layer cell wall and 3) by the distance between the cells and the electrode surface. In this project, we will use two evolutionarily different alga species, the prokaryotic cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and the eukaryotic green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that are both excellent model organisms to study photosynthetic energy conversion. We will study 1) the contribution of the linear and the alternative photosynthetic electron transport pathways to the reduction of the mediator molecule by employing a range of photosynthetic mutants, and 2) the limiting effect of the cell wall on the diffusion of the mediator molecule by biochemical removal of specific cell wall layers and by employing cell-wall mutants. For the experiments, we will develop a specific measuring cuvette allowing photosynthetic activity measurements in the BPEC. We will also establish immobilization for alga-based photovoltaic devices, ensuring a close distance between the cells and the electrode surface, thereby enabling a more efficient electron transfer. Another advantage of this approach is that changing the culture media and removal of the cells from the BPEC becomes more economical.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology phycology
- natural sciences biological sciences botany
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels energy conversion
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
6726 Szeged
Hungary
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.