Abstract: An energy conversion device comprising a first electrically conductive layer, a mesoporous oxide layer contiguous with the first electrically conductive layer and comprised of volcanic ash particles and photoactive dye molecules adsorbed on the ash particles, an electrolyte layer contiguous with the mesoporous oxide layer and comprised of a redox mediator, a catalyst layer comprised of an electrically conductive catalyst material, and a second electrically conductive layer contiguous with the catalyst layer. The electrically conductive catalyst material may be graphene, graphite, platinum, or carbon. The device may be further comprised of a light transmissive substrate contiguous with the first electrically conductive layer. The mesoporous oxide layer may be further comprised of titanium dioxide particles. The volcanic ash may comprise a mixture of particles from different indigenous sources of volcanic ash.

Abstract: An energy conversion device comprising a first electrically conductive layer, a mesoporous oxide layer contiguous with the first electrically conductive layer and comprised of volcanic ash particles and photoactive dye molecules adsorbed on the ash particles, an electrolyte layer contiguous with the mesoporous oxide layer and comprised of a redox mediator, a catalyst layer comprised of an electrically conductive catalyst material, and a second electrically conductive layer contiguous with the catalyst layer. The electrically conductive catalyst material may be graphene, graphite, platinum, or carbon. The device may be further comprised of a light transmissive substrate contiguous with the first electrically conductive layer. The mesoporous oxide layer may be further comprised of titanium dioxide particles. The volcanic ash may comprise a mixture of particles from different indigenous sources of volcanic ash.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels comprising a plurality of primary branches extending radially outwardly from a central trunk, and a plurality of photovoltaic panels joined to the primary branches, wherein the primary branches extend outwardly from the trunk in a spiral arrangement having a ratio of x turns around the trunk for every y primary branches. The ratio of x:y may be derived from a phyllotaxic arrangement of branches and leaves on a plant. X may be a Fibonacci number, with y being its Fibonacci second successor. The ratio of x/y may be selected from certain Fibonacci ratios, including 1/3, 2/5, 3/8, and 5/13. A method of converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy, and a method of making a device for converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels comprising a plurality of primary branches extending radially outwardly from a central trunk, and a plurality of photovoltaic panels joined to the primary branches, wherein the primary branches extend outwardly from the trunk in a spiral arrangement having a ratio of x turns around the trunk for every y primary branches. The ratio of x:y may be derived from a phyllotaxic arrangement of branches and leaves on a plant. X may be a Fibonacci number, with y being its Fibonacci second successor. The ratio of x/y may be selected from certain Fibonacci ratios, including 1/3, 2/5, 3/8, and 5/13. A method of converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy, and a method of making a device for converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.