Pore Filling And Light Trapping In Solid State Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are among the promising photovoltaic technologies that could potentially replace the expensive silicon. Liquid electrolyte-based DSCs have the highest efficiency but they suffer from potential stability and encapsulation problems when manufactured at high volumes. Research groups are actively pursuing solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (ss-DSCs), which uses a solid-state hole-transport material to replace the liquid electrolyte. SS-DSCs can potentially achieve higher power conversion efficiencies than the liquid-electrolyte because the open-circuit voltage can be adjusted by the choice of different hole-transport materials. However, current ss-DSCs are limited by both pore filling and electron-hole recombination such that the optimal thickness is around 2 microns, far thinner than the thickness needed to achieve good optical absorption. This thesis presents results that address two challenges facing the field of ss-DSC research - what is limiting the thickness of the device, and what can we do to boost light absorption and power conversion efficiency? In the first part, we describe how pore filling of hole-transport materials inside mesoporous TiO2 films is a limiting factor to the device thickness. This is accomplished by three closely-related pore filling projects: (a) quantifying the pore filling of hole-transport materials inside mesoporous TiO2 films; (b) experimenting with new methods to improve pore filling fraction; and (c) investigating the effect of pore filling on photovoltaic performances of ss-DSCs and the underlying photophysical mechanisms. This brings new physical understanding of the importance of pore filling and how pore filling a effects the photovoltaic performances. In the second part, we describe a new device architecture to increase the absorption through the use of plasmonic back reectors, which consist of two-dimensional (2D) array of silver nanodomes. They are incorporated into the ss-DSCs by nanoimprint lithography, and they enhance absorption through excitation of plasmonic modes and increased light scattering.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are among the promising photovoltaic technologies that could potentially replace the expensive silicon. Liquid electrolyte-based DSCs have the highest efficiency but they suffer from potential stability and encapsulation problems when manufactured at high volumes. Research groups are actively pursuing solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (ss-DSCs), which uses a solid-state hole-transport material to replace the liquid electrolyte. SS-DSCs can potentially achieve higher power conversion efficiencies than the liquid-electrolyte because the open-circuit voltage can be adjusted by the choice of different hole-transport materials. However, current ss-DSCs are limited by both pore filling and electron-hole recombination such that the optimal thickness is around 2 microns, far thinner than the thickness needed to achieve good optical absorption. This thesis presents results that address two challenges facing the field of ss-DSC research - what is limiting the thickness of the device, and what can we do to boost light absorption and power conversion efficiency? In the first part, we describe how pore filling of hole-transport materials inside mesoporous TiO2 films is a limiting factor to the device thickness. This is accomplished by three closely-related pore filling projects: (a) quantifying the pore filling of hole-transport materials inside mesoporous TiO2 films; (b) experimenting with new methods to improve pore filling fraction; and (c) investigating the effect of pore filling on photovoltaic performances of ss-DSCs and the underlying photophysical mechanisms. This brings new physical understanding of the importance of pore filling and how pore filling a effects the photovoltaic performances. In the second part, we describe a new device architecture to increase the absorption through the use of plasmonic back reectors, which consist of two-dimensional (2D) array of silver nanodomes. They are incorporated into the ss-DSCs by nanoimprint lithography, and they enhance absorption through excitation of plasmonic modes and increased light scattering.

Reflecting the rapid growth of nanotechnology research and the potential impact of the growing energy crisis, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Through Nanotechnology provides comprehensive coverage of cutting-edge research in the energy-related fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology, which aim to improve energy efficiency and the generation of renewable energy. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Through Nanotechnology tightly correlates nanotechnology with energy issues in a general, comprehensive way that makes it not only suitable as a desk reference for research, but also as a knowledge resource for the non-expert general public. Readers will find Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Through Nanotechnology useful in a variety of ways, ranging from the creation of energy policy, to energy research development, and to education in nanotechnology and its application to energy-related problems. It can also be used as a primary or supplementary textbook for energy-related courses for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.

Innovation through specific and rational design and functionalization has led to the development of a wide range of mesoporous materials with varying morphologies (hexagonal, cubic, rod-like), structures (silicates, carbons, metal oxides), and unique functionalities (doping, acid functionalization) that currently makes this field one of the most exciting in materials science and energy applications. This book focuses primarily on the rapid progress in their application in energy conversion and storage technologies, including supercapacitor, Li-ion battery, fuel cells, solar cells, and photocatalysis (water splitting) and will serve as a valuable reference for researchers in the field

Nanocarbon-Inorganic Hybrids is dedicated exclusively to the new family of functional materials, covering a multidisciplinary research field that combines materials science, chemistry and physics with nanotechnology and applied energy science. It provides a concise introduction into fundamental principles of nanocarbons, defines hybrids and composites, explains the physics behind sustainability, and illustrates requirements for successful implementation in energy applications. It further reviews the current research on developing concepts for designing nanocarbon hybrids, unravels mechanistic details of interfacial electron transfer processes and highlights future challenges and perspectives associated with exploiting these exciting new materials in commercial energy applications and beyond. This comprehensively written book is indispensable for Master and PhD students seeking to become familiar with a modern fi eld of knowledge-driven material science as well as for senior researchers and industrial staff scientists who explore the frontiers of knowledge.

Industrial engineering affects all levels of society, with innovations in manufacturing and other forms of engineering oftentimes spawning cultural or educational shifts along with new technologies. Industrial Engineering: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications serves as a vital compendium of research, detailing the latest research, theories, and case studies on industrial engineering. Bringing together contributions from authors around the world, this three-volume collection represents the most sophisticated research and developments from the field of industrial engineering and will prove a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and practitioners alike.

While measuring the effectiveness of solar cell materials may not always be practical once a device has been created, solar cell modeling may allow researchers to obtain prospective analyses of the internal processes of potential materials prior to their manufacture. Advanced Solar Cell Materials, Technology, Modeling, and Simulation discusses the development and use of modern solar cells made from composite materials. This volume is targeted toward experts from universities and research organizations, as well as young professionals interested in pursuing different subjects regarding advanced solar cells.

Undoubtedly the applications of polymers are rapidly evolving. Technology is continually changing and quickly advancing as polymers are needed to solve a variety of day-to-day challenges leading to improvements in quality of life. The Encyclopedia of Polymer Applications presents state-of-the-art research and development on the applications of polymers. This groundbreaking work provides important overviews to help stimulate further advancements in all areas of polymers. This comprehensive multi-volume reference includes articles contributed from a diverse and global team of renowned researchers. It offers a broad-based perspective on a multitude of topics in a variety of applications, as well as detailed research information, figures, tables, illustrations, and references. The encyclopedia provides introductions, classifications, properties, selection, types, technologies, shelf-life, recycling, testing and applications for each of the entries where applicable. It features critical content for both novices and experts including, engineers, scientists (polymer scientists, materials scientists, biomedical engineers, macromolecular chemists), researchers, and students, as well as interested readers in academia, industry, and research institutions.

This book integrates materials science with other engineering subjects such as physics, chemistry and electrical engineering. The authors discuss devices and technologies used by the electronics, magnetics and photonics industries and offer a perspective on the manufacturing technologies used in device fabrication. The new addition includes chapters on optical properties and devices and addresses nanoscale phenomena and nanoscience, a subject that has made significant progress in the past decade regarding the fabrication of various materials and devices with nanometer-scale features.