Abstract
The present study demonstrates the effect of casting conditions (relative humidity and temperature) on morphology of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) membranes prepared from solution of the co-polymer in tetrahydrofuran (solvent) and water (non-solvent and pore former). Membranes with thicknesses of 4–6 μm have been obtained by doctor blade casting under different conditions. High-temperature cast membranes yield less porous membranes. Low-temperature casting results in a maximum of 52 % (surface) porosity of membranes. High relative humidity (80 %) during casting results in bigger pore size in membrane than low relative humidity. Membranes containing liquid electrolyte have been subjected to testing in dye-sensitized solar cells as quasi-solid electrolytes. A maximum photo-conversion efficiency of 2.5 % for 1 cm2 active area has been achieved in membrane-based cells as compared to 2.8 % for cells having liquid electrolyte. High-temperature cast membranes result in poor performance due to hindrance in the charge transport.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
