<br/>High power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) are contingent on the rate of dye regeneration by the electrolyte being faster than competing interfacial reactions. Our program is therefore interested in affecting different dye<sup>…</sup>electrolyte interactions as a means of boosting cell photovoltages. We have successfully demonstrated an enhancement in photovoltage where, for example, intermolecular halogen bonding interactions exist between a nucleophilic electrolyte species and a photo-oxidized dye immobilized on a titanium oxide surface. A series of optical, transient absorption, and X-ray absorption spectroscopic measurements on a homologous series of dyes have collectively been used to resolve that the photovoltage is responsive to halogen bonding interactions that exist only between the oxidized dye and the electrolyte. These results are surprising in that it shows that a distinct minority of dyes on the surface have a profound effect on DSSC performance. These results, as well as other data pertinent to other intermolecular interactions, will be presented to highlight how strikingly weak interfacial interactions can have a profound effect on the performance of the DSSC.

Boosting the voltage of the dye-sensitized solar cell

254th National Meeting (2017)

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