Optimizing Efficiency in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

 

Gregory M. Seipel
Dr. Rasanjali Jayathissa, Faculty Mentor

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) facilitate the production of electricity through redox reactions initiated by the photovoltaic effect. Each component of the cell has its own resistance. The entire cell can be modeled as a circuit, and therefore, to maximize efficiency, the overall resistance of the cell should be minimized. We are aiming to lower the resistance of the gel electrolyte in the cell by finding the optimal mass percentage of TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) nanoparticles in the solution. Early electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests show a strong correlation between increasing percent mass of TiO2 nanoparticles in the solution and higher conductivity. In the future, other modifications should be explored to enhance conductivity and efficiency by lowering resistance in the anode and cathode of the cell. 

 

Keywords: Solar Cells, TiO2 Nanoparticles, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Gel Electrolyte

Topic(s):Physics
Chemistry

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA