Dye-sensitized solar cells employing a highly conductive and mechanically robust nanocomposite gel electrolyte

• Published in: Synthetic metals Vol. 144; no. 3; pp. 291 - 296
• Main Authors: Scully, S.R, Lloyd, M.T, Herrera, R, Giannelis, E.P, Malliaras, G.G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 13.08.2004; Amsterdam Elsevier Science; New York, NY
• Subjects: Application fields; Applied sciences; Dye sensitized solar cells; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Gel electrolyte; Natural energy; Photovoltaic conversion; Polymer industry, paints, wood; PVdF-HFP; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Technology of polymers; Dye sensitized solar cells; Gel electrolyte; PVdF-HFP; Short circuit currents; Electrical properties; Voltage current curve; Use; Ionic conductivity; Temperature effect; Polymer solid electrolyte; Silicates; Experimental study; Open circuit voltage; Solar cell; Luminous intensity; Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer; Hexafluoropropylene copolymer; Nanocomposite; Titanium oxide
• ISSN: 0379-6779; 1879-3290
• DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2004.04.011

Solvent evaporation rate, ionic conductivity, and photovoltaic response were used to compare a traditional organic liquid electrolyte to a gel electrolyte and a nanocomposite gel electrolyte consisting of poly(vinylidenefluoride- co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) and 12.5 wt.% synthetic layered silicate particles. The addition of layered silicate nanoparticles to the pure gel electrolyte markedly increased solvent retention and improved mechanical strength. The nanocomposite gel electrolyte had a conductivity of 2.6 × 10 −3 S/cm and a power conversion efficiency matching that of the liquid electrolyte.