Quasi-solid state electrolytes with silica nanomaterial for high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Silica nanoparticles were synthesized with various silane coupling agents to make specific pathway of electrons and anti-recombination system when solidifying liquid electrolytes. In this study, we used an appropriate method of synthesis for activated silica nanoparticles and silane coupling agents with 3-(triethoxysilyl)propionitrile, Trimethoxy[3-(methylamino)propyl]silane, Triethoxyoctylsilane, and octadecyltrimethoxy silane. Dye-sensitized solar cells using solidified electrolytes with silica nanoparticles exhibit comparatively excellent efficiency, ranging from 2.3 to 7.0% under similar conditions.