Improved high-temperature dye-sensitised solar cells
20 February 2008
News
As cost and environmental concerns drive more users away from fossil-fuel-based electricity toward renewable alternatives, researchers are exploring ways to build inexpensive yet efficient photovoltaic cells to harvest energy from the sun. One popular type of cell, made from an electrode material such as titanium dioxide sensitised with an organic dye, is relatively cheap to manufacture and operates with up to 11% efficiency.
However, these cells are impractical for most outdoor applications as they contain volatile solvents that would evaporate outdoors in warm temperatures. Writing in the journal Small, a team of researchers in Switzerland reports that they have developed a modified form of dye-sensitised titanium dioxide solar cell that does not involve volatile solvents. This allows it to remain stable for longer while still providing acceptable performance.
"A photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 7,6% was obtained under simulated full sunlight illumination, which is a record for solvent-free dye-sensitised solar cells," said Michael Grätzel, one of the authors of the report.
Grätzel and colleagues used a combination of two 'ionic liquids,' recently developed solvent-free electrolytes that behave in some ways like molten salts, as the redox electrolyte in their cells. They also incorporated a highly conjugated ruthenium-based dye to improve the performance of the system, significantly outperforming previous attempts at solvent-free dye-sensitised solar cells.
The researchers found that their system maintained its stability in the dark at temperatures of up to 80°C, and in full light at up to 60°C over 1000 hours in accelerated ageing tests, with the system retaining 90% of its performance even after the test. They believe the system can be improved still more.
"The present results are very encouraging, pointing at future opportunities to further enhance the performance of this very important solvent-free dye-sensitised solar cell system," said Grätzel.
For more information contact Patrick Cairns, Frost & Sullivan, +27 (0)21 680 3274, [email protected]
Further reading:
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity
Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...
KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...
Otto Wireless Solutions announces promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to technical director
Otto Wireless Solutions
News
Otto Wireless Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to the position of technical director, effective 1 August 2025.
Read more...
DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...
World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
SACEEC celebrates standout industrial innovation on the KITE 2025 show floor
News
Exhibitor innovation took the spotlight at the KITE 2025 as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council announced the winners of its prestigious New Product & Innovation Awards.
Read more...
SA team for International Olympiad in Informatics
News
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa has named the team that will represent South Africa at this year’s International Olympiad in Informatics.
Read more...
Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
Read more...