Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

artificial photosynthesis


These instructions were developed with great support from the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) who have improved and developed DSSC since the early 1990s.

Materials and Tools

  • Laminator
  • Guillotine (Paper Cutting Machine)
  • Stove / Hot plate (with heat-control to heat up to 500°C)
  • Teflon foil
  • Thermo-adhesive PET plastic foil (ca. 100microns, right thickness must be tested)
  • Titanium-dioxide (TiO2) coated titanium sheet
  • Thermo-resistant tape (Kapton 12mm x 33m)
  • Gloves (to avoid dust, sweat, dirt on the active elements and loss of performance)
  • Dye solution (Ruthenium-based dyes are most efficient but organic dyes such as Blueberry or Rhodondendron can also be used)
  • Ethanol
  • Liquid Electrolyte
  • Glass container
  • Sandpaper, Tweezers, Pincers, Scissors, Cutter, Kitchen paper
  • Conductive PEN/ PT plastic foil
  • Conductive tape (copper or aluminum)
  • Syringe
  • Petri dish or tank/container with cover/lid

Instructions
Manuel Kretzer, Grete Soosalu, Miro Roman, Evangelos Pantazis

Support
John Meschter (G24 innovations), Paul Liska (Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces)

Duration
120 min

Level
Advanced


1. Plastic container
The plastic container will house the DSC. First the desired shape of the cell has to be cut out twice of the adhesive PET plastic foil. The second piece needs a small opening in the center for the electronic connection. The two layers are then laminated together using a Teflon sheet to avoid melting of the foils.

2. Transparent front electrode
The front electrode is prepared from the conductive plastic foil and needs to be the exact same shape as the later DSC. To one edge of the foil conductive tape has to be added, which will become the positive connection and ease the transfer of electrons.

3. Flexible TiO2 foil
Using the guillotine and scissors the shape of the DSC now has to be cut out from the metallic TiO2 foil. The edges need to be sharp and clean to avoid short-circuits. In order to fit into the previously prepared plastic containers, the pieces should be slightly smaller. From the container one edge has to be removed, which will be used to inject the electrolyte. As TiO2 is highly porous, it easily absorbs humidity and dust from the air. Therefore the sheet has to be baked at 500 °C for at least one hour using the hot plate, until the sheet turns bright white.

4. Dyeing
After baking the TiO2 sheet has to be soaked in the dye solution for a few hours, preferably over night. During this time the dye should be stored in a dark area and remain covered with a lid. After dyeing the piece needs to be dried thoroughly and the colored side then moistened with a bit of ethanol.

5. Lamination
The previously prepared transparent front electrode is now fixed on top of the dyed TiO2 foil. Both pieces are then placed inside the plastic container and glued together using the laminator. One edge needs to be left open for electrolyte injection.

6. Electrolyte
Now the electrolyte can be filled into the container using a syringe and needle. Finally the small injection hole can be closed with a piece of thermo-resistant tape.

7. Current
Using a multi-meter the dye-sensitized solar cell can be tested for functionality. The output voltage depends on the size of the component and the current on the amount of incoming sunlight.

8. Additional Tutorial
Solaronix provides Kits and guides on preparing DSC on glass. http://www.solaronix.com/documents/dye_solar_cells_for_real.pdf
Other suppliers are: Mansolar, Institute for Chemical Education, Solideas

Institute
Chair for CAAD, ETH Zürich

Instructions
Manuel Kretzer, Grete Soosalu, Miro Roman, Evangelos Pantazis

Support
John Meschter (G24 innovations), Paul Liska (Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces)

Duration
120 min

Level
Advanced


Privacy Settings
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Youtube
Consent to display content from - Youtube
Vimeo
Consent to display content from - Vimeo
Google Maps
Consent to display content from - Google

info(at)materiability.com