Effect of cation size on solid polymer electrolyte based dye-sensitized solar cells
Bhaskar Bhattacharya1, Jun Young Lee, Jianxin Geng
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK 21 Graduate Program), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 373-1 Guseong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea. bhaskarmiet@gmail.com
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|May 14, 2009
Summary
This study explores solid polymer electrolytes using various cations (Li+, Na+, K+, NH4+, EMII+, HMII+) with iodide anions. Cation size significantly impacts conductivity and dye-sensitized solar cell performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Solid polymer electrolytes are crucial for advanced energy storage and conversion devices.
- Understanding cation influence on electrolyte properties is key to optimizing performance.
- Poly(ethylene oxide):Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO:PEG) blends offer a promising matrix for solid electrolytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different cation sizes on the conductivity of PEO:PEG-based solid polymer electrolytes.
- To correlate electrolyte properties with cation characteristics and matrix crystallinity.
- To evaluate the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using these novel polymer electrolytes.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of solid polymer electrolytes by complexing a PEO:PEG blend (40:60 w/w) with various iodide salts (LiI, NaI, KI, NH4I, EMII, HMII).
- Characterization of electrolyte conductivity as a function of cation type and size.
- Analysis of electrolyte properties including charge carrier concentration and matrix crystallinity.
- Fabrication and testing of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) incorporating the developed polymer electrolytes.
Main Results:
- Polymer electrolyte conductivity is strongly influenced by cation radius, with smaller cations generally leading to higher conductivity.
- Changes in free charge carrier concentration and matrix crystallinity correlate with observed conductivity variations.
- DSSC performance, including power conversion efficiency, demonstrates a clear dependence on the cation size within the polymer electrolyte.
Conclusions:
- Cation size is a critical parameter for tailoring the performance of solid polymer electrolytes.
- The PEO:PEG blend serves as an effective matrix for developing cation-tunable solid electrolytes.
- The findings support the extension of concepts like ion intercalation and surface adsorption to polymer electrolyte systems for enhanced device applications.
