Large size, high efficiency fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising photovoltaic technology.
• Traditional DSSCs face challenges in scalability and form factor flexibility.
• Developing novel architectures for DSSCs is crucial for expanding their applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a high-efficiency, fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cell (f-DSSC).
• To investigate the performance of this novel f-DSSC configuration.
• To explore its potential for applications like solar textiles.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a unique f-DSSC with directly contacting, twisted electrodes sealed in a capillary.
• Systematic investigation of TiO(2) film thickness, electrode pitch, and device length.
• Performance evaluation under standard test conditions and intense diffuse illumination.

Main Results:

• The novel f-DSSC demonstrated excellent modularization and 3D light harvesting.
• The cell showed independence from incident light angles due to its symmetrical structure.
• A 9.5 cm long cell achieved a power conversion efficiency of 5.41% under standard conditions.
• Power output doubled under intense diffuse illumination.

Conclusions:

• The developed fiber-shaped DSSC is the longest and most efficient liquid-electrolyte-based f-DSSC reported to date.
• Its design facilitates independent adjustment of electrolyte volume and electrode distance, simplifying sealing.
• The f-DSSC's characteristics make it highly suitable for integration into woven solar power textiles.