Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

A Video Presentation  by: Dr. Karel Connolly
The Study of Dye Sensitised Solar Cell based  on Locally Grown Plants as Natural  Dyes
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A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a sandwich-type solar cell consisting of a photoelectrode, a dye sensitizer, a counter electrode and a liquid electrolyte. According to the kinds of dyes, used in recent years, this thesis reviews the research progress of natural dye-sensitized cells based on extracts from various leaves, beetroot, turmeric, blueberry, blackberry and raisins. The investigation into natural dyes is extensive because they are non-toxic, easy to get, inexpensive and are in abundance. However, their low output power and low power conversion efficiency renders them ineffective should they be used for large output applications like homes. At the moment, dye sensitized solar cells can power led digital clocks or some solar calculators which require lower output power. The spectral properties of the dye were analyzed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer, and the photophysical properties of the cell was investigated using a solar simulator. This thesis discusses five factors which influence the performance of DSSCs based on natural extracts: (1) degradation under the influence of water vapours and aging of the solar cell, (2) changing the thickness of TiO2 film, (3) introduction of anchoring groups between the TiO2 thin film and the dye, (4) altering the pH level of the dye and (5) changing the size of the active area.