Synthesis of polymer-gel electrolytes for quasi solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells and Modules: A potential photovoltaic technology for powering internet of things (IoTs) applications

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells can display brilliant performance in artificial/indoor light, predominantly in various wireless sensor networks applications. The main objective of this work was to fabricate stable dye-sensitized solar cells/modules for the internet of things applications. The stability issue was addressed by developing polymer gel electrolytes. Polymer gel electrolyte with the highest ionic conductivity value was then employed as an electron transport mediator in the cells and modules. The photovoltaic performance of cells was affected by the conductivity of electrolytes. The results showed that the efficiency of quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells remained stable for a week, while the efficiency of conventional cells approached zero after a day. Thus, the development of polymer gel electrolytes is an ultimate solution to enhance the stability of dye-sensitized solar cells and modules for the internet of things applications.