A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a solar cell that runs on a photoelectrical system. Its four main components are titanium dioxide paste, dye, electrolyte, and two conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glasses. Benefits of DSSCs include low cost and low toxicity of its components. The goal of this research is to improve the longevity and efficiency of DSSCs by exploring the electrolyte component of the solar cell. The electrolyte is responsible for the regeneration of the oxidized dye, which allows for the electrons to keep traveling within the cell to create an electric current. The electrolyte is significant because it influences the efficiency and stability of the solar cell. High ionic conductivity and low viscosity are desirable qualities in an electrolyte, but are not usually found in a single organic solvent. This research consisted of mixing existing organic solvents in five different ratios in order to test whether these mixtures work better than electrolytes made out of a single organic solvent. The two organic solvents used were propylene carbonate (P.C) and ethylene glycol (E.G). The voltages of these DSSCs were measured over time under different light sources. Results showed that over time, under any light source, the mixtures of either 50% E.G 50% P.C or 75% P.C 25% E.G always had higher voltages than 100% E.G or 100% P.C. This showed that mixing organic solvents enhances the electrolyte and improves the performance of the DSSC. The reason as to why this happens is unknown but, if found, it could facilitate the creation of better electrolytes for DSSCs, which would then directly improve DSSCs. A second part of this research focused on creating a sealant to test how it affected the efficiency and longevity of the cell. The goal was to help prevent the leakage and evaporation of electrolytes. The sealant was prepared by mixing Duramax and kaolin clay. Results showed that under direct sunlight, the voltage of the sealed DSSC decreased 1.4% while the unsealed DSSC decreased 14% over the span of three days.

Effects of varying electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

255th National Meeting (2018)

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