Fast and green process to obtain astaxanthin-rich extracts from shrimp shell waste for dye sensitized solar cells

IF 3.7 3区生物学 Q2 BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Process Biochemistry Pub Date : 2025-06-16 DOI:10.1016/j.procbio.2025.06.006

Francesco Milano , Federica Mancarella , Livia Giotta , Ilaria Citro , Stefano Trocino , Giuseppe Calogero , Donatella Spadaro

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Abstract

Aiming to address the critical need for renewable energy, this study explores the potential of astaxanthin-rich extracts from shrimp waste as natural sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using an eco-friendly and economically viable process. Photoconversion efficiencies (PCE) of astaxanthin-based DSSCs were evaluated through I-V measurements while charge transfer resistances (R_CT) were assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sensitizer preparation involved extraction of astaxanthin from waste shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) cephalothoraxes, which were desiccated, finely milled and treated with ethyl acetate, to obtain a crude extract very rich in astaxanthin mainly present in esterified forms. The extraction process was fast and avoided extreme experimental conditions in terms of energy consumption, ultra-vacuum, high temperatures and use of toxic solvents. Direct application of the crude extract as sensitizer for DSSCs resulted in low PCE (0.09 %) and high R_CT, due to the limited ability of esterified astaxanthin to interact with the TiO₂ layer. This limitation was overcome through saponification of the extract with methanolic NaOH, leading to free astaxanthin with high recovery yield and limited degradation. The saponified extract showed lower R_CT and higher PCE (0.30 %). These results highlight the promising potential of suitably processed shrimp waste as a source of sensitizers for DSSCs.

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从虾壳废料中提取富含虾青素的染料敏化太阳能电池的快速绿色工艺

为了解决对可再生能源的迫切需求，本研究探索了虾废物中富含虾青素的提取物作为染料敏化太阳能电池（DSSCs）的天然敏化剂的潜力，采用了一种环保且经济可行的工艺。采用I-V法测定虾青素基DSSCs的光电转换效率（PCE），电化学阻抗谱法测定电荷转移电阻（RCT）。本敏化剂的制备方法是从虾蛄（Aristaeomorpha foliacea）头胸中提取虾青素，对虾青素进行干燥、细磨和乙酸乙酯处理，得到富含虾青素的粗提物，虾青素主要以酯化形式存在。提取过程快速，避免了能耗、超真空、高温和使用有毒溶剂等极端实验条件。直接使用粗提取物作为DSSCs的增敏剂导致低PCE（0.09 %）和高RCT，因为酯化虾青素与TiO 2层相互作用的能力有限。通过甲醇氢氧化钠皂化，克服了这一限制，得到了回收率高、降解程度低的游离虾青素。皂化提取物具有较低的RCT和较高的PCE（0.30 %）。这些结果突出了适当处理的虾废物作为DSSCs敏化剂的潜力。

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来源期刊

Process Biochemistry 生物-工程：化工

CiteScore

8.30

自引率

4.50%

发文量

374

审稿时长

53 days

期刊介绍： Process Biochemistry is an application-orientated research journal devoted to reporting advances with originality and novelty, in the science and technology of the processes involving bioactive molecules and living organisms. These processes concern the production of useful metabolites or materials, or the removal of toxic compounds using tools and methods of current biology and engineering. Its main areas of interest include novel bioprocesses and enabling technologies (such as nanobiotechnology, tissue engineering, directed evolution, metabolic engineering, systems biology, and synthetic biology) applicable in food (nutraceutical), healthcare (medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic), energy (biofuels), environmental, and biorefinery industries and their underlying biological and engineering principles.