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Thin film nano solar cells--from device optimization to upscaling
Minna Toivola1, Time Peltola, Kati Miettunen
1Helsinki University of Technology, Advanced Energy Systems, Department of Applied Physics, PO Box 5100, FIN-02015 TKK, Finland.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|April 1, 2010
Summary
Stainless steel substrates enable upscaling of dye solar cells to larger mini-modules. This advancement offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional materials, paving the way for industrial manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- Dye solar cells (DSCs) are a promising photovoltaic technology.
- Current DSC fabrication often relies on expensive substrates like glass.
- Upscaling laboratory-scale DSCs to larger modules presents manufacturing challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of upscaling stainless steel-based dye solar cells.
- To develop cost-effective and industrially viable DSC manufacturing methods.
- To evaluate the performance of large-area DSC mini-modules using stainless steel substrates.
Main Methods:
- Upscaled DSCs from 0.32 cm² to 15 cm² active area mini-modules.
- Utilized stainless steel as the photoelectrode substrate.
- Employed indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated plastic foils/glass for counter electrodes.
- Incorporated inkjet-printed silver nanoparticle ink for current collection.
Main Results:
- Achieved efficiencies of 2.5% and 3.4% for mini-modules with stainless steel photoelectrodes.
- Performance comparable to smaller laboratory-scale DSCs (3.4%-4.7%).
- Demonstrated successful integration of current collector structures on plastic foils.
Conclusions:
- Stainless steel is a viable and cost-effective substrate for large-area DSCs.
- Flexible substrates and stainless steel facilitate roll-to-roll manufacturing.
- Upscaled DSCs maintain performance levels of small-scale devices, offering economic advantages.
