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Triiodide Photooxidation and Subsequent Regeneration in UVA Exposed Nano-Structured TiO2 Solar Cell Devices

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2012

Matthew Carnie ,
Trystan Watson  and
David Worsley
Matthew Carnie
Affiliation:
SPECIFIC – College of Engineering, Swansea University, Baglan Bay Innovation and Knowledge Centre, Baglan Energy Park, Baglan, Port Talbot SA12 7AX, UK
Trystan Watson
Affiliation:
SPECIFIC – College of Engineering, Swansea University, Baglan Bay Innovation and Knowledge Centre, Baglan Energy Park, Baglan, Port Talbot SA12 7AX, UK
David Worsley
Affiliation:
SPECIFIC – College of Engineering, Swansea University, Baglan Bay Innovation and Knowledge Centre, Baglan Energy Park, Baglan, Port Talbot SA12 7AX, UK
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Abstract

UV exposure of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) results in a loss of triiodide from the electrolyte and this is as a result of direct band gap excitation of the TiO2 semiconductor. The UV stability of a typical electrolyte composition is explored further and the results show that the electrolyte is very stable to UV irradiation in the absence of TiO2 but experiences rapid triiodide loss in its presence. Furthermore, the effect of a periodic triiodide regeneration technique, applied to UV exposed DSCs, is investigated and whilst this treatment does not appear to be able to permanently reverse triiodide loss in UV exposed cells, devices that are periodically regenerated, maintain higher average photocurrents over the UV exposure period.

Keywords

photovoltaiccatalyticoxidation
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1442: Symposium Q – Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials–2012 , 2012 , mrss12-1442-q04-06
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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References

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