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Spectroelectrochemical and Computational Studies on Interfacial Electron Transfer in Dye-sensitized Solar Cells


EMSL Project ID
30479

Abstract

This proposal is responding to the Science Theme Call: Science of Interfacial Phenomena; and it is a non-proprietary standard access proposal.

Interfacial electron transfer (ET) processes control the overall efficiency and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs); DSSCs are inexpensive direct solar energy conversion devices. A fundamental understanding of these complex ET events requires a multidisciplinary approach in which experimental studies are modeled and explained by theory. Here we propose the use of in situ spectroelectrochemistry teamed with computational chemistry to investigate the interfacial ET processes in DSSCs. In addition, we will replace the fragile elements in current DSSC cell desgns with fluorinated materials to improve ET efficiency and cell stability. This proposal utilizes the PIs expertise in spectroelectrochemistry and fluorine chemistry and EMSLs computational resources to unravel the factors that govern the interfacial ET processes in DSSC, particularly the ET process between dye-sensitized semiconductors (e.g. TiO2) and fluorinated electrolytes. The proposed studies provide a general strategy to solve complex interfacial ET problems and fit well within EMSLs environmental focus. If these problems are solved, widespread use of TiO2-based photovoltaic devices will be cost competitive in the current energy economy.

Project Details

Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2008-11-01
End Date
2011-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Haoran Sun
Institution
University of South Dakota

Team Members

Jeffery Mottishaw
Institution
University of South Dakota

Related Publications

Sun H, A Putta, and M Billion. 2012. "Arene Trifluoromethylation: An Effective Strategy to Obtain Air-Stable n?Type Organic Semiconductors with Tunable Optoelectronic and Electron Transfer Properties." Journal of Physical Chemistry A 116(30):8015?8022. doi:10.1021/jp301718j