Asphaltene based photovoltaic devices

A method of making a photovoltaic device comprising:

• fractionating an asphaltene into two or more asphaltene fractions;
• depositing at least one layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution and at least one asphaltene fraction or a mixture of an asphaltene fraction, on a first electrically conductive layer, wherein the first electrically conductive layer comprises a photo-sensitized electrode;
• and
• depositing a semiconductor layer on a second electrically conductive layer, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises carbon, graphite, soot, carbon allotropes or any combinations thereof, wherein the second electrically conductive layer comprises a counter-electrode.

A photovoltaic device comprising:

• a first electrically conductive layer, wherein the first electrically conductive layer comprises a photo-sensitized electrode;
• at least one asphaltene fraction on the first electrically conductive layer;
• and
• a second electrically conductive counter-electrode layer comprising one or more conductive elements;
• wherein the one or more conductive elements comprise carbon, graphite, soot, carbon allotropes or any combinations thereof.

A photovoltaic roadway comprising:

• a first electrically conductive layer on a road bed;
• at least one asphaltene fraction on the first electrically conductive layer;
• and
• at least partially coating the photoelectrochemical layer with the second electrically conductive layer, wherein the voltage created between the first and second electrically conductive layers is gathered along the roadway.