研究目的
Investigating the performance enhancement of betanin solar cells by co-sensitizing them with indigo and lawsone, two natural pigments that absorb light in complementary regions of the solar spectrum.
研究成果
The study demonstrated that co-sensitization of betanin with lawsone and indigo enhances the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by broadening the absorption spectrum. The betanin/lawsone co-sensitized solar cell showed a higher average efficiency and longer electron lifetime compared to the betanin/indigo solar cell, attributed to the more optimal alignment of energy levels and efficient charge transfer in lawsone.
研究不足
The study is limited by the relatively low efficiencies of natural dye-sensitized solar cells compared to synthetic dyes. The stability and lifetimes of the natural dye solar cells require improvement, particularly in inhibiting the photocatalytic degradation of natural photosensitizers by TiO2.
1:Experimental Design and Method Selection:
The study involved the co-sensitization of betanin solar cells with indigo and lawsone to enhance light harvesting across the solar spectrum. DFT simulations were used to confirm the optimal alignment of the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of the pigment molecules with the conduction band of TiO2 and the redox potential of the electrolyte.
2:Sample Selection and Data Sources:
Natural dyes (betanin, indigo, and lawsone) were extracted from plant sources. The performance of solar cells fabricated with these dyes was assessed.
3:List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
FTO substrates, TiO2 paste, Pt-coated FTO substrates, gel electrolyte (LiI/I2 in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone mixed with polyvinylidene ?uoride), Shimadzu UV-2400 PC series spectrophotometer, Bio-Logic electrochemical workstation, Newport Corporation solar simulator, Keithley 2440 5A source meter.
4:Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
Photoanodes were prepared using FTO substrates coated with TiO2 paste, sensitized with natural dyes, and assembled with Pt-coated FTO counter electrodes and gel electrolyte. The performance characteristics were measured under 1 sun illumination.
5:Data Analysis Methods:
The performance of the solar cells was analyzed using J-V characteristics, P-V characteristics, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to understand electron lifetimes and internal resistances.
独家科研数据包,助您复现前沿成果,加速创新突破
获取完整内容