Nanomaterial-filled polymer electrolyte systems for ruthenium and organic dye-sensitized solar cells

Date of Publication

2014

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemistry

Subject Categories

Chemistry

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Chemistry

Thesis Adviser

Drexel H. Camacho

Defense Panel Chair

Marissa G. Noel

Defense Panel Member

Eric R. Punzalan
Abel F. Ole

Abstract/Summary

The vast use of fossil fuel demands the development of a source of renewable energy. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been extensively studied due to their low cost, ease of fabrication and high-energy conversion efficiencies. The performance and stability of DSSCs are limited by leakage and solvent evaporation. This study explores the effects of nanofillers in the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells by incorporating nano-sized titanium dioxide, iron (III) oxide and halloysite fillers into the polymer electrolytes based on κ-carrageenan/DMSO/TBAI:I2. Optimization and characterization of various concentrations of fillers were done before incorporating in solar cells. The effects of ionic conductivity and diffusion coefficient to the overall conversion efficiency of the cells were studied. The effect on Ruthenium and Squaraine dyes were also investigated. The addition of various fillers to the polymer electrolyte system increased the dissociation of iodide ions and improved the ionic conductivity of the cells. The diffusion coefficient of tri-iodide ions was also greatly enhanced because of the increased volume of the system brought about by reducing polymer-polymer interaction, which increased the mobility of the redox couple (I-/I3 -). DSSC characterization revealed a low efficiency due to a relatively high charge transfer resistances at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface. It is recommended that the complete electron transfer processes in the cell be further studied.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG006547; TG06547

Shelf Location

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

Physical Description

110 leaves, illustrations (some color) ; 28 cm.

Keywords

Solar cells

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