Counter electrode dependence of germanium-sensitized thermal cells

Abstract

Semiconductor-sensitized thermal cells (STCs), which generate electricity by converting the photoexcitation of dyes in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) into thermal excitation in a semiconductor, have attracted attention as a new thermal energy conversion technology. This paper examines the role of the counter electrode (CE) on the STC battery characteristics. The results suggest that, similar to DSSCs, the chemical stability, surface resistance, and electron transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte interface affect the performance of STCs. The similarities between STCs and DSSCs partly shown in this manuscript indicate that the scientific arguments of DSSCs may be applicable to the STC discussion.