With the increase in fossil fuel costs and the limitability of readily available reserves, the need for research in renewable energy sources is crucial. Organic solar cells can be a convenient and low-cost approach to harvesting solar energy using readily available and often recyclable materials. Traditional silicon solar cells have shown high reliability, but installation costs are prohibitive. Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising alternative at a fraction of the cost. DSSCs use dyes with high quantum efficiency adsorbed on a titanium dioxide film to absorb light and transfer electrons. The dye is regenerated by a counter electrode and electrolyte, improving device stability. Our group has been exploring inexpensive, soluble, light stable azo dyes used in the textile industry for light absorption. Our goal is to generate solution processable DSSCs which can be spray painted directly on a roof or large area surface. By making device fabrication inexpensive, we decrease the need for high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Traditional silicon cells have a PCE around 13% which has been matched by DSSCs with carefully designed dyes. The synthesis, electronics, and solar cell device characteristics of several azo dyes will be presented.

Synthesis of azo dyes for use in dye-sensitized solar cells

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.