Making a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

This is an abridged short video on constructing a dye-sensitized solar cell for the Natural Dyes lab.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• ESF
• Chemistry
• FCH151
• Abrams
• DSSC
• dye-cell

[nabrams1]

If the TiO2 is not sticking when heated, it is most likely due to the paste being too thick. If it flakes BEFORE being heated (but after drying) it is due to the paste being too thin.

[nabrams1]

Other anthocyanins do not possess the correct molecular configuration to efficiently adsorb to metal oxides (TiO2, ZnO).

[nabrams1]

Grape juice does not possess the correct anthocyanins for proper attachment to the TiO2 (cyanin 3-glucoside). Try blackberries, raspberries, or cherries. Pomegranates also work, but not as well. P25 is a brand name made by Degussa/Evonik that is high surface area. Any form of TiO2 will generally work, but the more surface area equates to more photocurrent. Crystal form of TiO2 is also important.

[nabrams1]

The TiO2 is standard P25 TiO2. The high surface area offers higher dye binding. You can quantify this using visible absorbance spectra. As long as you are using the correct dyes, binding should be high. It does not appear that you state the source of your TiO2.

[nabrams1]

Power? No. Power requires current and voltage. These cells put out very low currents as the anthocyanins in the dye are not ideal for the DSSC. Voltage are between 500-600 mV.

[nabrams1]

What do you need to know?

[blueduderanch]

i saw that you didnt use a carbon catalyst. why was that?

[kavinash85]

hey can i use tinture of iodine instead of tri iodide solution

[YoLninYo]

@YoLninYo Nevermind. just saw the other video.

[YoLninYo]

How about putting down a recipe with the process? What chemicals are you using? for how long? what tempratures? etc. ... without it, its just a video of two hands dancing around to some nice jazz music. Don't gloat over it with the initiates, share it with the rest of us.

[overunitydotcom]

Hi,

Regarding to my research the PN layer is the SnO2 versus the TiO2 that produces the bandgap that is needed !

Can you also use saltwater as the electrolyte ( NaCl water-solution ) ?

Many thanks.

Please come to:

overunity(.)com / inde x. ph p?to pic=6699

Please remove the brackets and spaces to get the right link.

where we show selfmade solar cells.

Many thanks.

Regards, Stefan.

[jibbs001]

hay thanks for this good video, but i have one question , do you know why the titaniun doixide won't stick to the glas after heating it up , is is because i am applaying to think layer or is it a heatproblem? please help, thanks again

[recyclingismylife]

Hi! First...wonderful video. I am studying alternative energy at my college, and would reall ylike to show my class how to make a dye sensitive cell. You mentioned that you would include some specifics on compounds used and quantities of said compounds. Also, any prep specs you can think of to include (heating temp/time/etc) would help a lot. Feel free to send me a pm if you like. Again, thanks so much for the great video, and I am eagerly looking forward to your response.

[RAndersom]

Why is it so particular to particular Anthocyanins could a more resilient non organic die be used?