Photovoltaic devices are currently not cost competitive as renewable energy alternatives to the fossil fuels currently dominating the energy marketplace. Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are well known for their potential towards cheap, efficient conversion of solar energy.   We have been able use microwave heating to accelerate the deposition of ruthenium dyes onto conductive FTO and ITO substrates for inclusion in DSSCs. We previously demonstrated comparable efficiencies between conventional and microwave methods (1.7x10-3 %, 1.3x10-3 % respectively) but with low overall efficiencies due to the lack of an anatase TiO2 layer to increase available surface area. Introduction of a TiO2 layer increases the microwave power these conductive substrates will tolerate without arcing electricity (TiO2 up to 400W, plain FTO up to 175W). Here we present the efficiencies of DSSCs constructed with TiO2 layers by both conventional and microwave heating, and substrate characterization by contact angle measurements, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.

Comparison of microwave and conventional heating methods in modification of TiO<sub>2</sub> coated photoanodes for dye sensitized solar cells

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Comparison of microwave and conventional heating methods in modification of TiO2 coated photoanodes for dye sensitized solar cells

Comparison of microwave and conventional heating methods in modification of TiO₂ coated photoanodes for dye sensitized solar cells