Preparation, characterization and application of gel polymer electrolyte in dye sensitized solar cells

Author(s)

João Eduardo Benedetti

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Química
• Defense date: 2010-03-12

Examining board members

Ana Flávia Nogueira; Neyde Yukie Murakami Iha; Fritz Cavalcante Huguenin; Teresa Dib Zambon Atvars; Fernando Aparecido Sígoli

• Advisor: Ana Flávia Nogueira

Abstract

This thesis consisted in the preparation, characterization and application of gel polymer electrolytes in dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells. A general introduction to solar cells and to polymer electrolytes will be presented in Chapter I. Chapter II describes the aims of this work. Chapter III deals with the preparation of gel polymer electrolytes based on the poly(ethylene oxide-co-2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethyl glycidyl ether) (P(EO/EM)) polymer matrix containing I2 and different concentrations of g-butyrolactone (GBL) and LiI. These electrolyte samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Li nuclear magnetic resonance (Li RMN), thermogravimetry (TGA), X-ray diffraction (RDX), conductivity measurements and cyclic voltammetry (VC). The gel polymer electrolyte P(EO/EM)/GBL/LiI/I2 provided excellent chemical and electrochemical properties. The electrolytes were applied in dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells, as discussed in Chapter IV. Solar cells were characterized by current-voltage (IV) curves, electron lifetime measurements and transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). Most of the solar cells based on the polymer electrolyte P(EO/EM)/GBL/LiI/I2 presented an increase in photocurrent with the addition of GBL to the electrolyte composition. This result may be explained by the enhanced diffusion of redox species in the medium. However, a significant decrease in open-circuit voltage was observed after increasing the GBL concentration in the electrolyte composition. The decrease in open-circuit voltage was assigned to an increase in recombination losses taking place at the interfaces, which resulted in solar cells with lower performance. In order to minimize these drawbacks, dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells were assembled with the electrolyte P(EO/EM)/GBL/LiI/I2 containing 4-tert-butylpyridine and crown ether molecules. The addition of these additives provided an increase in Voc and, consequently, improved device performance. The characterization of these solar cells based on gel polymer electrolyte containing additives was carried out by means of current-voltage (I-V) curves, as discussed in Chapter V. Dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells based on gel polymer electrolyte were subjected to durability tests. Good durability results were achieved during a 30-day test, which are discussed in Chapter VI. Chapter VII deals with the main conclusions of this work and outlines some perspectives for the next steps of this research (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/58998-3 - Preparation, characterization and application of gel polymer electrolyte in dye sensitized solar cells
• Grantee: João Eduardo Benedetti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate