Ressource Farbe. Arbeiten mit Farbstoffsolarzellen (Grätzel-Zellen)

with Franz John

Resource Color is a project for sustainable energy generation by means of dye solar cells using natural plant dyes. This so-called "Grätzel cell", named after its inventor Prof. Michael Grätzel, uses organic dyes such as the leaf pigment chlorophyll to absorb light. When exposed to sunlight, a type of technical photosynthesis begins in the cell, measurably generating an electric current.

From October 07-12, 2013, Berlin-based artist Franz John tested the extraction of plant dye extracts at the Edith Russ House together with students from the Institute of Art and Visual Culture at the University of Oldenburg, which were then used to construct several Grätzel cells.

In this seminar, mainly regional and seasonal plants from the surroundings of the Edith Russ House or Oldenburg served as the "dye source" and were tested for their different energy suitability. Experiments on site were necessary for this. Suitable plants - depending on the season - include red cabbage, sloe, sea buckthorn, ivy, elderberries and privet berries. By boiling, stirring and sieving, self-produced color concentrates are created, which can then be used to generate energy - as well as for artistic processes.

In contrast to the classical solar cell, the Grätzel cell does not cause any environmentally harmful emissions during production and can be manufactured with the simplest of means. The creative potential is to be awakened and the inventive spirit is to be challenged by the own reproduction.

This project was realized with the kind support of the association Lebendiges Museum Oldenburg e.V.