Download Student Name: Liting Chen Advisor Name: Dr. A. A. Ilumoka

Student Name: Liting Chen
Project Title: Performance Enhancement of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Advisor Name: Dr. A. A. Ilumoka
Number of Credits: 3
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ABSTRACT
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), also called “Grätzel cells employ TiO2 - a
semiconductor for which the bandgap is too wide for energy from sunlight to excite
electrons enough to make them conduct. However, photons from sunlight can excite
electrons in organic dyes such as blackberries and raspberries which contain anthocyanin
– a dye which transfers electrons first to TiO2 and from there to an electrode, producing
electricity. Although silicon-based solar cells are currently more efficient than DSSCs,
they are more expensive to manufacture. This paper reports investigations carried out to
find ways to enhance the electrical performance of DSSCs through optimal set up of
fabrication conditions and optimal selection of sensitizer material. DSSC stability as a
function of time was also studied and recommendations made regarding frequency of reapplication of iodide electrolyte. Investigations required the careful fabrication of several
batches of DSSCs in the lab using 10mm X 10mm glass slides, nanocrystalline TiO2 and
iodide electrolyte (see fig 1). Electrical characteristics including open circuit voltage,
short circuit current were measured directly while additional performance characteristics
such as maximum power, fill factor and cell efficiency were calculated using standard
methods. Measurements were obtained under both indoor and outdoor illumination.
Fig 1 DSSC on 10X10mm Glass Slide
Fig 2 Open Circuit Voltage Under Outdoor Illumination