Interface modification of dye-sensitized solar cells using self-assembled monolayer
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Date
2015
Authors
Jaseetharan, T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Dye-sensitized nanoporous Ti0₂ solar cell is a promising system for cost-efficient solar energy conversion application. In these solar cells, Ru-based dye molecules, adsorbed on the surface of a nanoporous sintered Ti0₂ film, are used to absorb visible light and to inject electrons into the Ti0₂ conduction band.I⁻/I₃⁻ redox couple in a liquid electrolyte is used to regenerate the oxidized dye molecule. Pt coated FTO glass was used as the top contact.
In this study, the Ti0₂/electrolyte interface was modified by self-assembled monolayer having different dipole moments. Self-assembled monolayer of benzoic acid derivative with an electron donating group (-OCH₃, -OR, -CH₃ etc.) which attached to the para position enhanced the overall performance of the dye-sensitized solar cell by over 80 % compared to the controlled device with no interface modification.
Description
Keywords
Solar cells , Benzoic acid