Kappa-carrageenan based quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cell containing bulky organic iodide/I2 electrolyte system

Date of Publication

2014

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemistry

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Chemistry

Thesis Adviser

Drexel H. Camacho

Defense Panel Chair

Marrieta Ilao

Defense Panel Member

Carlo Antonio T. Ng
Abel F. Ole

Abstract/Summary

Abundant solar energy is a potential alternative source of clean energy. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are particularly attractive due to its relatively high light-to-energy conversion efficiencies and ease of fabrication. Stability problems however arise from conventional DSSC due to the use of organic solvents in the electrolyte which leak and volatilize out of the cell thus, an alternative electrolyte system is highly sought.

In this study, -carrageenan was utilized as a matrix in developing polymer electrolyte for DSSC application in the presence of inorganic and bulky organic iodide salts. Optimization and characterizization of resulting films were done using FTIR, DSC, four-point probe method, and ac impedance. DSSCs were fabricated incorporating the optimized electrolyte system.

Results showed that bulky iodide salts increase dissociation of iodide ions leading to good conductivity. -Carrageenan/water/acetonitrile electrolyte system resulted to gel-state polymer electrolyte system with DSSC characterization yielded an efficiency of < 0.1 %. Using non-aqueous solvents, -Carrageenan/DMSO and -carrageenan/glycerol system resulted to liquid-state polymer electrolyte systems and showed promising features for DSSC applications with efficiencies reaching ~1% efficiencies.

Further studies are recommended to improve the efficiency of the DSSC.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG005755

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

1 computer optical disc ; 4 3/4 in.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS