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Dye-sensitized solar cells with a micro-porous TiO2 electrode and gel polymer electrolytes prepared by in situ cross-link reaction

Authors :
Lee, Kun-Mu
Hsu, Chih-Yu
Chiu, Wei-Hao
Tsui, Meng-Chin
Tung, Yung-Liang
Tsai, Song-Yeu
Ho, Kuo-Chuan
Source :
Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells. Nov2009, Vol. 93 Issue 11, p2003-2007. 5p.
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

Abstract: The ionic conductivities and performances of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) prepared by in situ cross-link reaction with different cross-linkers were investigated. The poly(imidazole-co-butylmethacrylate)-based GPE containing the 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(bromomethyl)benzene (B4Br) cross-linker showed a higher ionic conductivity than that containing cross-linkers with a linear structure, due to the formation of micro-phase separation that resulted in an increase in ion transport paths in the GPE. Moreover, the co-adsorbent ((4-pyridylthio) acetic acid, PAA) co-adsorbed with N3 dye on the TiO2 electrode not only reduced dye aggregation, but also reacted with the cross-linkers in the GPE at the TiO2/GPE interface. A decrease in the charge transport resistance at the TiO2/GPE interface was noted after forming the gel; thus the value of J SC significantly increased from 7.72 to 10.00mAcm−2. In addition, in order to reduce the ionic diffusion resistance within the TiO2 electrode, incorporation of monodispersed PMMA in the TiO2 paste was considered. With the optimal weight ratio of PMMA/TiO2 (w/w=3.75), the TiO2 electrode exhibited larger pores (ca. 350nm) uniformly distributed after sintering at 500°C, and the ionic diffusion resistance within the TiO2 film could significantly be reduced. The cell conversion efficiency increased from 3.61% to 5.81% under illumination of 100mWcm−2, an improvement of ca. 55%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09270248
Volume :
93
Issue :
11
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
44176842
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2009.07.017