Gel Electrolytes with Polyamidopyridine Dendron Modified Talc for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Author(s)

Santana Andrade, Jr., Marcos A. ; Tiihonen, Armi ; Miettunen, Kati ; Lund, Peter ; Nogueira, Ana F. ; Pastore, Heloise O.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES; v. 9, n. 24, p. 20454-20466, JUN 21 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Organic inorganic hybrid layered materials are proposed as additives in a quasi-solid gel electrolyte for dye-sensitized solar cells. Talcs could provide a low-cost and environmentally friendly, as well as abundant, option as gelators. Here, talcs were prepared by functionalizing an organotalc with three polyamidopyridine dendron generations, PAMPy-talc-Gn (n = 1, 2 and 3). PAMPy dendrons grow parallel to the lamellae plane and form an organized structure by intermolecular interactions. In addition, polyiodide dendron charge-transfer complexes were prepared onto the organotalc by adsorption of iodine. In this work, the effect of the dendron generation of PAMPy-talc and the influence of polyiodide intercalation on solar cell performance and stability were investigated. The best results were reached with the use of lowest generation ;PAMPy-talc (eta = 4.5 +/- 0.3%, V-OC = 710 +/- 19 mV, J(sc) = 10.4 +/- 0.9 mA cm(-2), and FF = 61 +/- 2%): 15% higher efficiency compared to similar liquid devices. While some previously studied talcs illustrate very strong absorption of the iodide from the electrolyte, in the case of PAMPy-talc such interfering effects were absent: In a 1000 h light soaking test, the PAMPy-talc cells both with and without polyiodide intercalation demonstrated stable performances. Furthermore, the color analysis of the electrolyte indicated that the color of the electrolyte remained stable after an initial period of stabilization, which is a good indication of the compound being stable and not absorbing charge carriers from the electrolyte. The performance and stability results indicate that PAMPy-talc has potential as a gelling method for electrolytes for dye solar cells. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/06942-0 - Nanostructured layered solids as acid, basic and redox catalysts
• Grantee: Heloise de Oliveira Pastore
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/05911-1 - Layered solid and gel polyelectrolytes for application in dye solar cells
• Grantee: Marcos Antonio Santana Andrade Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate