染料敏化太阳电池中TiO2/染料/电解质界面的修饰

染料敏化太阳电池(DSC)作为新型太阳电池自问世以来受到了广泛关注, 其系统内部的接触界面尤其是TiO₂/染料/电解质界面一直是该领域的研究热点. 光敏染料的吸附以及电子的注入、传输和复合都发生在该界面, 其界面性质对DSC性能具有很大影响. 对染料敏化太阳电池中TiO₂/染料/电解质界面进行修饰可以有效抑制染料聚集和电子复合, 提高电子的注入效率与传输速率; 同时, 对TiO₂导带边的位置及染料吸附等也产生一定的影响, 最终提高电池的光电转换效率和稳定性. 本文主要从不同的修饰途径详细评述了TiO₂/染料/电解质界面修饰方法及机理研究进展,包括TiO₂光阳极的修饰改性、染料溶液中共吸附剂的引入和多种染料共敏化处理以及电解质中不同功能添加剂的应用. 指出了这些修饰方法目前存在的主要问题, 并对未来的发展方向进行了展望.     

The effects of polymer gel electrolyte composition on performance of quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Polymer gel electrolytes based on poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAA–PEG) hybrid have been prepared and applied to developed quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). PAA–PEG hybrid was synthesized by polymerization reaction. Quasi-solid-state DSCs were fabricated with synthesized PAA–PEG electrolyte. The effects of alkali iodides LiI, KI, and I₂ concentrations on liquid electrolyte absorbency and ionic conductivity of PAA–PEG were investigated. The evolution of the solar cell parameters with polymer gel electrolyte compositions was revealed. DSCs based on PAA–PEG with optimized KI/I₂ concentrations showed better performances than those with optimized LiI/I₂ concentrations. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique was employed to examine the electron lifetime in the TiO₂ electrode and quantify charge transfer resistances at the TiO₂/dye/electrolyte interface and the counter electrode in the solar cells based on the PAA–PEG hybrid gels. A maximum conversion efficiency of 4.96% was obtained for DSCs using KI based quasi-solid electrolyte under 100 mW cm⁻². Our work suggests that KI can be the promising alkali metal iodide for improving the performance of PAA–PEG hybrid gel DSCs.     

长链双烷基次膦酸作为共吸附剂修饰TiO_2光阳极

对TiO2/染料/电解质界面进行修饰是提高染料敏化太阳电池(DSC)性能的有效手段,其中引入共吸附剂有机小分子和染料共同吸附在TiO2表面是一种简单有效提高DSC性能的方法.本文合成了长链的双正十二烷基次膦酸(DDdPA)作为染料的共吸附剂应用于染料敏化太阳电池.通过红外光谱(FT-IR)表征DDdPA在TiO2表面的吸附;借助电化学阻抗谱(EIS)及强度调制光电流谱(IMPS)/强度调制光电压谱(IMVS)等技术表征了电子的传输与复合动力学过程.研究发现,DDdPA可以很好地与染料共同吸附在TiO2表面;与二(3,3-二甲基丁基)次膦酸(DINHOP)相比,DDdPA的引入可以更好地抑制TiO2/染料/电解质界面处的电子复合;在优化浓度配比下,DDdPA的引入有效提高了器件的电子寿命,使TiO2导带边负移约30 mV,最终使器件的开路电压提高了47 mV,光电转换效率提升约10%.     

Interface modification of 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminium with combined effects in quasi-solid dye-sensitized solar cells

In this paper, 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminium (Alq(3)) was used in interface modification of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Alq(3) was the first discovered interface modification material with combined effects of retarding charge recombination and F?rster resonant energy transfer (FRET). Results of dark current curve and AC impedance showed that Alq(3) could retard charge recombination in DSCs. I-V curves showed that conversion efficiency increased with Alq(3) modification. Besides the interface modification effect, it was discovered that Alq(3) also acted as energy relay dye with the FRET effect between itself and N3, which increased photoresponse and electron injection. The application of Alq(3) with combined effects opened a new door to explore more novel multi-functional interface modification materials to improve the performance of DSCs.     

Synthesis of N-doped TiO2 particles from aquaethylenediaminetitanium(IV) hydroxide complex and their optical properties on dye-sensitized solar cells

To promote the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cell, N-doped TiO₂ particles are introduced as working electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. The N-doped TiO₂ particles (N–en–TiO₂) are easily synthesized from [Ti(NH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂) _x (H₂O) _y ]zOH (aquaethylenediaminetitanium(IV) hydroxide) complex using a modified sol–gel process. The produced N–en–TiO₂ particles show rice-shapes of 25–50 nm and their band-gaps become to be shorter than that of TiO₂. The N–en–TiO₂ particles are applied to working electrode layers in dye-sensitized solar cells, and on comparing the performances of pure TiO₂ and N–en₂–TiO₂–DSCs, the latter shows good performance with a solar energy conversion efficiency of ~5.54 % versus the former of 4.21 % respectively with a notable photocurrent enhancement. Particularly, the N–en₂–TiO₂–DSCs exhibit relatively low charge transfer resistance at counter electrode and electron transfer resistance from dye/TiO₂/photoanode, slower recombination times, faster electron transport times, and higher electron diffusion coefficients than non-doped TiO₂–DSCs.     

Enhanced photovoltaic characterization and charge transport of TIO2 nanoparticles/nanotubes composite photoanode based on indigo carmine dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have established themselves as an alternative to conventional solar cells owing to their remarkably high power conversion efficiency, longtime stability and low-cost production. DSSCs composed of a dyed oxide semiconductor photoanode, a redox electrolyte and a counter electrode. In these devices, conversion efficiency is achieved by ultra-fast injection of an electron from a photo excited dye into the conduction band of metal oxide followed by subsequent dye regeneration and holes transportation to the counter electrode. The energy conversion efficiency of DSSC is to be dependent on the morphology and structure of the dye adsorbed metal oxide photoanode. Worldwide considerable efforts of DSSCs have been invested in morphology control of photoanode film, synthesis of stable optical sensitizers and improved ionic conductivity electrolytes. In the present investigation, a new composite nano structured photoanodes were prepared using TiO₂ nano tubes (TNTs) with TiO₂ nano particles (TNPs). TNPs were synthesized by sol–gel method and TNTs were prepared through an alkali hydrothermal transformation. Working photoanodes were prepared using five pastes of TNTs concentrations of 0, 10, 50, 90, and 100 % with TNPs. The DSSCs were fabricated using Indigo carmine dye as photo sensitizer and PMII (1-propyl-3-methylimmidazolium iodide) ionic liquid as electrolyte. The counter electrode was prepared using Copper sulfide. The structure and morphology of TNPs and TNTs were characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopes (TEM and SEM). The photocurrent efficiency is measured using a solar simulator (100 mW/cm²). The prepared composite TNTs/TNPs photoanode could significantly improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells owing to its synergic effects, i.e. effective dye adsorption mainly originated from TiO₂ nanoparticles and rapid electron transport in one-dimensional TiO₂ nanotubes. The results of the present investigation suggested that the DSSC based on 10 % TNTs/TNPs showed better photovoltaic performance than cell made pure TiO₂ nanoparticles. The highest energy-conversion efficiency of 2.80 % is achieved by composite TNTs (10 %)/TNPs film, which is 68 % higher than that pure TNPs film and far larger than that formed by bare TNTs film (94 %). The charge transport and charge recombination behaviors of DSSCs were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectra and the results showed that composite TNTs/TNPs film-based cell possessed the lowest transfer resistances and the longest electron lifetime. Hence, it could be concluded that the composite TNTs/TNPs photoanodes facilitate the charge transport and enhancing the efficiencies of DSSCs.     

Pechini based titanium sol as a matrix in TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> pastes for dye-sensitized solar cell application

The influence that the degree of polyesterification has on a titanium sol (Ti-sol) prepared via the Pechini method that acts as a matrix in TiO₂ pastes used for dye sensitized solar cells is reported. The different content of the polyester in the Ti-sol was realized by varying the heating time of the Ti-sol. Titanium dioxide pastes were prepared by introducing a commercial TiO₂ nanopowder into the Ti-sols. The TiO₂ layers were tested as photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The most appropriate degree of polyesterification was achieved by heating the Ti-sol for 0.5 and 1 h, while longer heating deteriorates the TiO₂ layer morphology. The highest efficiency of the DSSCs based on an ionic liquid electrolyte was 6.3% measured under standard test conditions (100 mW/cm², AM 1.5, 25 °C).     

SrTiO3/TiO2 Hybridstructure as Photoanode in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell

In dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the charge recombination at the TiO₂/dye/electrolyte interface greatly influences the photoelectron conversion efficiency. Hybrid semiconductor materials with matched band potentials are designed to reduce the charge recombination. In this study, SrTiO₃/TiO₂ hybridstructure was synthesized by using TiO₂ nanoparticles as template in a hydrothermal, showing a negative shift in the flat band potential. The DSSC with the SrTiO₃/TiO₂ anode exhibits an increased photovoltage and a reduced photocurrent. The suppression of charge recombination at the TiO₂/dye/electrolyte interface was observed in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, causing an improvement in the photovoltage. However, the SrTiO₃/TiO₂ system shows an obstructed electrons injection from the dye to SrTiO₃/TiO₂, limiting the photocurrent performance. The photoelectrochemical properties of the SrTiO₃/TiO₂ system are discussed in detail herein.     

电化学阻抗谱研究染料/Al2O3交替组装结构的光伏特性及作用机理

使用Al₂O₃和N3染料制备了一种交替组装的结构, 该结构能够提高染料敏化太阳能电池(DSCs)的开路电压(V_oc), 短路电流(J_sc)和转换效率(η). 为了研究(染料/Al₂O₃)交替组装结构的作用机理, 使用电化学阻抗谱技术分析了电池的界面电阻. 分析结果表明, 随着交替组装结构中(染料/Al₂O₃)单元的增加, 光阳极/染料/电解质界面的电阻降低, 电池性能随之提高. 基于电化学阻抗谱分析结果, 建立了一系列的等效电路模型, 从理论上解释了(染料/Al₂O₃)交替组装结构的作用机理.     

Performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on various sensitizers applied on TiO2-Nb2O5 core/shell photoanode structure

The present investigation described the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on various sensitizers applied on TiO₂-Nb₂O₅ core/shell photoanode film. The novel photoanodes were prepared using composite of TiO₂ nanoparticles (TNPs) and TiO₂ nanorods (TNRs) as core (TNPRs) layer with Nb₂O₅ shell coating. As well, tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅), a blocking layer applied over the core/shell film. The DSSCs were fabricated based on various sensitizers namely zinc phthalocyanine, indoline, indigo carmine, zinc porphyrin, N719, coumarin NKX-2700, polymer dye, quantum dots (QDs), perylene and squaraine. The I–V characteristics of the DSSCs, photocurrent density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and photoconversion efficiency (PCE) were determined under illumination of AM 1.5 G. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis is carried out to study the charge transport and life-time of charge carriers at photoanode/dye/electrolyte interface of the DSSCs. The I–V and EIS results explicated that the core/shell with blocking layers were able to alleviate the electron transport and suppressed charge recombination at photoanode/dye/electrolyte interface of the DSSCs. Concerning the sensitizers, PCE of the DSSCs exemplify the order N719 > zinc porphyrin > coumarin NKX-2700 > indoline > squaraine > QDs > zinc phthalocyanine > perylene > polymer dye > indigo carmine dye. The results of the present work demonstrated that among the sensitizers studied, N719 showed the highest PCE and fill factor. Besides, the metal-free organic sensitizers (coumarin NKX-2700 and indoline) exhibited comparable PCE as compared to N719.     

Photovoltage improvements and recombination suppression by montmorillonite addition to PEO gel electrolyte for dye-sensitized solar cells

Montmorillonite (MMT) added to electrolytes has been reported in the literature to facilitate the transport of I(-)/I(3)(-), and improve the ionic conductivity and consequent photocurrent of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). This paper firstly observes, investigates and reports that MMT addition to a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based gel electrolyte not only improves the ionic conductivity of the gel electrolyte, but also increases the photovoltage and decreases the dark current. From the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transient photovoltage spectra, we evidence that MMT in the polymer gel electrolyte can efficiently retard the charge recombination that occurs at the TiO(2)/dye/electrolyte interfaces.     

Effect of TiCl4‐based TiO2 compact and blocking layers on efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells

The effect of the number and arrangement of TiO₂‐based photoanode layers on the efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. Compact, mesoporous, and blocking layers of TiO₂ were prepared to form monolayer, bilayer, and trilayer photoanodes. Compact and blocking TiO₂ layers were prepared using dip‐coating technique, whereas the doctor‐blade method was employed to prepare TiO₂ paste layers using nanoparticles prepared by the sol–gel method. The crystalline structure of photoanodes was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and their morphology and thickness were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The photovoltaic performance of constructed DSSC devices was investigated and the optimum arrangement was identified and explained in terms of dye loading enhancement and recombination reduction at the fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/electrolyte interface.     

Effect of single-wall carbon nanotubes on the properties of polymeric gel electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells

A hybrid of polymer/dispersed single-wall carbon nanotubes was utilized in networking a novel composition of gel electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells. The gel is composed of polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, single-wall carbon nanotubes, and I^?/I₃ ^? as electrolyte. Formation of the less conductive polyiodide species in electrolyte was prohibited by the addition of single-wall carbon nanotubes leading to the excellent photovoltaic behavior of the cell under simulated standard illumination of the fabricated device owing to the increased open circuit voltage (0.47 V). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to quantify the charge transport resistance and the electron lifetime at the TiO₂ conduction band. Charge transport resistances at the TiO₂/dye/electrolyte interface were determined for the cells consisting of the non-gel reference and our new gel electrolytes, and it was indicated that the charge recombination between injected electrons and electron acceptors (I₃ ^?) in the redox electrolyte was remarkably retarded. Electrochemical parameters obtained by the fitting showed all of the resistances increased as compared to liquid electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells that can be related to the increase in viscosity of the gel, which hinders the ionic transportation through the electrolyte. These results were also confirmed by the electron lifetime analyses. The characteristic peak shifted to a lower frequency in the Bode phase plot for the cell containing gel electrolyte which is an indication of a longer electron lifetime in comparison with that of the cell containing very conventional liquid electrolyte.     

Mg(OOCCH(3))(2) as an electrolyte additive for quasi-solid dye-sensitized solar cells: with the purpose of enhancing both the photovoltage and photocurrent by modifying the TiO(2)/dye/electrolyte interfaces

The interface modification effect within quasi-solid dye-sensitized solar cells and the photovoltaic performance were investigated after the introduction of Mg(OOCCH(3))(2) as an additive into a polymer gel electrolyte. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the addition of Mg(OOCCH(3))(2) into the polymer gel electrolyte can efficiently retard charge recombination at the TiO(2)/electrolyte interface. Mg(OOCCH(3))(2) in the electrolyte can also contribute to the enhancement of the incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency by modifying the dye molecules. This results in an improvement in the photovoltage and photocurrent due to a barrier layer at the TiO(2)/electrolyte interface and the promotion of charge injection at the dye/TiO(2) interface, respectively. Photovoltaic measurements reveal that a conversion efficiency enhancement from 4.05% to 4.96% under 100 mW cm(-2) is obtained after the amount of Mg(OOCCH(3))(2) added was optimized.     

Theoretical rationalization for reduced charge recombination in bulky carbazole‐based sensitizers in solar cells

The search for greater efficiency in organic dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and in their perovskite cousins is greatly aided by a more complete understanding of the spectral and morphological properties of the photoactive layer. This investigation resolves a discrepancy in the observed photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of two closely related DSCs based on carbazole‐containing D–π–A organic sensitizers. Detailed theoretical characterization of the absorption spectra, dye adsorption on TiO₂, and electronic couplings for charge separation and recombination permit a systematic determination of the origin of the difference in PCE. Although the two dyes produce similar spectral features, ground‐ and excited‐state density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that the dye with the bulkier donor group adsorbs more strongly to TiO₂, experiences limited π–π aggregation, and is more resistant to loss of excitation energy via charge recombination on the dye. The effects of conformational flexibility on absorption spectra and on the electronic coupling between the bright exciton and charge‐transfer states are revealed to be substantial and are characterized through density‐functional tight‐binding (DFTB) molecular dynamics sampling. These simulations offer a mechanistic explanation for the superior open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current of the bulky‐donor dye sensitizer and provide theoretical justification of an important design feature for the pursuit of greater photocurrent efficiency in DSCs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

SnO2 Transparent Printing Pastes from Powders for Photon Conversion in SnO2-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Tin oxide (SnO₂) is the most attractive alternative to titanium oxide (TiO₂) with the aim of identifying a more positive conduction band material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). This study puts forward a protocol based on grinding, sonication, and centrifuge to generate transparent SnO₂ pastes to minimize light reflectance losses from the metal oxide. Under optimized conditions, a highly transparent film with substantially enhanced light penetration depth through active layer SnO₂ is realized for efficient light harvesting from two different commercially available powders (18 and 35 nm nanoparticle sizes). A ruthenium sensitizer ( B11 ) and two organic sensitizers ( NL3 and MK2 ) are shown to achieve higher or comparable photocurrent densities with SnO₂ relative to standard TiO₂-based DSCs. SnO₂-based DSCs show minimum recombination losses, comparable charge collection efficiencies, and minimal photovoltage losses relative to TiO₂ DSCs. Thus, the option of a transparent metal oxide, which can facilitate high photocurrents (>16 mA cm⁻² observed) and lower recombination rates than TiO₂ is an attractive material for DSC applications.     

电化学阻抗谱研究染料/Al2O3交替组装结构的光伏特性及作用机理

使用Al₂O₃和N3染料制备了一种交替组装的结构, 该结构能够提高染料敏化太阳能电池(DSCs)的开路电压(V_oc), 短路电流(J_sc)和转换效率(η). 为了研究(染料/Al₂O₃)交替组装结构的作用机理, 使用电化学阻抗谱技术分析了电池的界面电阻. 分析结果表明, 随着交替组装结构中(染料/Al₂O₃)单元的增加, 光阳极/染料/电解质界面的电阻降低, 电池性能随之提高. 基于电化学阻抗谱分析结果, 建立了一系列的等效电路模型, 从理论上解释了(染料/Al₂O₃)交替组装结构的作用机理.     

Ultrathin SnO2 Scaffolds for TiO2‐Based Heterojunction Photoanodes in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Oriented Charge Transport and Improved Light Scattering

In this paper, band‐structure matching strategy of a TiO₂‐based heterojunction within which electrons can be collected from TiO₂ nanoparticles and transported rapidly in the bulk structure is reported. On the basis of the band‐structure analysis of different TiO₂‐based heterostructures, focus was directed to the SnO₂ nanosheet because of its appropriate band position and high electrical conductivity. Through a systematic investigation of the incorporation of ultrathin SnO₂ nanosheet scaffolds for TiO₂‐based photoanodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs), we propose an anisotropy “constrained random walk” model to describe the controlled electron transit process. In this system, electrons are transferred orientedly overall, as well as randomly locally, leading to a significant reduction in the charge diffusion route compared to the conventional isotropic “random walk” model. In brief, the 2D ultrathin nanosheets provide rapid transit pathways and improved light‐scattering centers, which can ensure a sufficient amount of dye loading and slow recombination. An overall light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency as high as 8.25 % is achieved by embedding the appropriate amount of SnO₂ scaffold in a TiO₂‐based photoanode.     

Post-modification using aluminum isopropoxide after dye-sensitization for improved performance and stability of quasi-solid-state solar cells

In this study, dye-sensitized TiO₂ electrodes were immersed into a solution of aluminum isopropoxide and after hydrolysis quasi-solid-state solar cells were fabricated. The interaction between the dye and the resulting Al₂O₃ overlayer was investigated by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrum, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The current density–voltage (I–V) characteristics showed that the overlayer increased the photovoltage and decreased the photocurrent under low intensity irradiation, and increased both the photovoltage and photocurrent under AM 1.5 irradiation. The Al₂O₃ overlayer at the dye/electrolyte interface resulted in a 28% improvement in overall photo-to-electrical conversion efficiency from 2.60 to 3.32%. Dark current measurements showed that Al₂O₃ acted as an insulator barrier to retard recombination between the TiO₂ and dye/quasi-solid-state electrolyte interface. Without encapsulation, dye-sensitized solar cells with Al₂O₃ coating after sensitization also exhibited improved stability compared to cells without coating.     

Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of dye‐sensitized solar cells: identification of the dye‐electrolyte interaction

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have great potential to provide sustainable electricity from sunlight. The photoanode in DSCs consists of a dye‐sensitized metal oxide film deposited on a conductive substrate. This configuration makes the photoanode a perfect sample for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI‐MS). We applied LDI‐MS for the study of molecular interactions between a dye and electrolyte on the surface of a TiO₂ photoanode. We found that a dye containing polyoxyethylene groups forms complexes with alkali metal cations from the electrolyte, while a dye substituted with alkoxy groups does not. Guanidinium ion forms adducts with neither of the two dyes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.