Publication date: 1st July 2014
To substantially scale PV, continuous, roll-to-roll (R2R) processing is an important technology option. In this context, the scaled manufacturing of dye sensitized solar cells (DSC) still requires optimization of current R2R roll process limitations (e.g. time and temperature) to maximize throughput and yield and to reduce costs. In addition, DSC power conversion efficiencies need to increase to compete on LCOE versus p-n junction PV.
This paper will present our recent developments in this context:-
1. Structure-activity relationships of new dyes focusing on the dye-oxide interface [1]
2. Low T sintering of binder-containing colloids for mesoporous photo-electrodes [2]
3. 2-D mapping of co-sensitized DSC devices
4. In situ studies of device lifetime
The paper will also consider how the unique selling points (USPs) of different PV technologies can affect device use. For DSC, USPs include colour and transparency.
References
[1] A. Connell, P.J. Holliman, M.L. Davies, C.D. Gwenin, S. Weiss, M.B. Pitak, P.N. Horton, S.J. Coles, G.Cooke, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2(11), 4055 - 4066.
[2] P.J. Holliman, D.K. Muslem, E.W. Jones, A. Connell, M.L. Davies, C. Charboneau, M.J. Carnie, D.A. Worsley, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, DOI:10.1039/C4TA01000K.