Improving the performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell by graphene

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Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been studied extensively during the last decade in the context of a new generation of photovoltaic devices, due to their unique features like low cost, simple and inexpensive processing and straightforward scalability. High power conversion efficiency (PCE over 10%) was obtained by Gratzel and co-workers by using a TiO2 mesoporous anatase film sensitized by N719 dye. This proposal aims to develop a graphene doped TiO2 photoanode to address a problem of current interest for Nanophyll Inc., namely a solution for the enhancement of the PCE and stability of traditional DSSCs. The proposed methodology is based on fabricating graphene doped DSSCs with a tunable concentration of graphene in the TiO2, combined with advanced measurements for solar cell characterization and optimization to determine which parameters optimize efficiency and stability. In addition, graphene doped TiO2 photoanodes will be subsequently treated by TiOx chemical precursors (for example TiCl4) to cover the surface of the graphene to minimize the possible charge recombination occurring at the interface of the graphene and the liquid electrolyte; this could further enhance the PCE and the stability. The solar cell (with or without graphene doping, before and after chemical treatment) will be subsequently characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Atomic Force Microscopy, and X-ray Diffraction to determine the concentration and distribution of graphene in the TiO2 matrix. The PCEs and the stability of the fabricated cells will be measured, which will allow the identification of the optimal graphene concentration and chemical treatment process. All implemented treatments will be achieved in close collaboration between Nanophyll and INRS and within the feasibility parameters of our industrial partner, for immediate technology transfer.