Nanocrystalline TiO2 film with different additives for high performance dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

This work is centered on the study of the internal electrochemical variables of a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC), using characterization techniques such as: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and numerical modeling of the process, in order to obtain a deeper knowledge of the internal behavior of the solar cell. In this way, it was possible to evaluate loss of recombination, transportation and loss for resistance in series as a function of the intensity of illumination, as well as identifying degradation mechanisms. The experimental development consists in the construction, characterization and modeling of DSSC based on the nanometric titanium dioxide semiconductor. Three different behaviors were studied; (1) Effect of different forms of deposits of titanium oxide nanostructures, (2) evaluation of the influence of solvents (acetonitrile, ionic liquid) and (3) observing the behavior of additives (4-tert-butylpiridine 96%, Lithium), with the intention of determine which of them sensitizes most efficiently the titanium dioxide. The results indicate that the variables studied show a complex system in which optimal interaction between components, semiconductor, dye and electrolyte must be conducted for a good performance and stability.