Researchers at the University of Kassel in Germany have developed a building material based on the principles of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Essential material components are electrographic concrete and colored liquids from fruit juices. Known as DysCrete, this material can harvest diffused light and can be used in walls not directly exposed to continuous sunlight, says Solar Novus Today.

DysCrete is conceptualized for use in constructing walls, prefabricated components and on faҫades. The electrographic concrete is coated with layers of titanium dioxide, organic liquid, an electrolyte, graphite and a transparent surface. These layers add up to a dye-sensitized solar cell and the concrete becomes the electrode.

The DysCrete project is part of an interdisciplinary research platform at the University of Kassel, called "Bau Kunst Erfinden" ("Building Art Invention"), led by Prof Heike Klussmann, head of visual art studies, and Prof Thorsten Klooster, field project manager. Klussman hopes the building material will contribute to a decentralized energy supply.

On a quest to optimize DysCrete’s conversion efficiency, Klussmann and her team are experimenting with the composition of the coatings. The efficiency target is about 2%. They initially used currant juice but are trying other fluids as well.

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