In the present paper we demonstrate the efficient use of shape controlled flower-like ZnO (Zinc oxide) nanostructured particles as multifunctional electrode for both energy conversion and storage applications, i.e. Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) and lithium-ion batteries.

The reduction of zinc oxide (ZnO) with pure carbon has been studied in the temperature range of 1200–1500 °C for converting solar thermal power into chemical energy in the form of metallic zinc. An experimental solar facility was set up to test different types of reactors, including a...