Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Elyse Showalter
6/15/11 RMSST

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell 1

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Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Literature Review Methodology Data Interpretation Conclusions Literature Cited Appendices A. B. C. D. Detailed Procedures Experimental Design Diagram Raw Data Photos of Experimentation 16 19 20 21

Abstract

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Elyse Showalter 3221 Southridge Drive Stockbridge, GA 30281 Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology 1174 Bulldog Circle Conyers, GA 30012

The purpose of this experiment was to design and build a more efficient and costeffective dye sensitized solar cell. Increasing the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells will allow them to be used in commercial applications. The research hypothesis stated, If dye type is tested in dye-sensitized solar cells, then the blueberry juice will be the most effective in increasing the efficiency of the cells. Various structures for the solar cells were tested and three different organic dyes were used with titanium dioxide powder. The dyes included blackberry, blueberry, and pomegranate juice. Structures were tested until a reliably-working solar cell was produced. An ANOVA test was used to analyze the data. Blueberry juice was the most effective of the dyes in conduction of energy, and the research hypothesis was supported (F=101.8, DF=8, P<.001).

Introduction

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Environmental science has become a major source of talk recently. Specifically, people

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have started worrying about global climate change. The burning of fossil fuels is commonly blamed as the main source of global climate change. Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy, and we face the threat of running out of power (Enzler, 2009). A powerless world would result in inept hospitals, food being unable to be shipped, and thousands, if not millions, of people dying. It is important that we find a new way of powering our lives. However, renewable energy comes with a price. While the resources are free, the research done on them is not, and often the technology to produce the machines involved in harnessing the energy are extremely expensive. Wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, and even efficient solar panel systems can all be very costly. Scientists have started to look at alternatives and other ways of exploiting natures energy without breaking the bank, even if they involve some sacrifice of efficiency. Dye-sensitized solar cells are a hot research topic because they are much cheaper than the average solar panel. While they are usually about 10% efficient (Han, Islam, Koide et all, 2009), they can almost be created by the average consumer. They consist of a converting molecule dyed and suspended in an electrolyte, sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass or plastic (Kohle, Ruile, & Graetzel 1996). They can be created easily and cheaply. The purpose of this project was to design and build a more efficient and cost-effective dye solar cell. Independent variables in this experiment included dye type and structure of the solar cell. The titanium dioxide was a fine powder. Dyes were all organic blueberry, blackberry and pomegranate juices. The dependent variable was the electrical output of the completed solar cell.

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

The blueberry juice was predicted to be the most effective dye in helping the titanium dioxide

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conduct energy. Literature Review Todays world faces the increasing threat of global climate change, which is simply a change in global climate (Global Climate Change, n.d.). Fossil fuels have been named as the criminal responsible for the climate change. But while some scientists argue about whether the world will end in fire or ice, the average person is pressured to deal with this uncomfortable situation. With so much uncertainty surrounding climate change, why should they be concerned? Further, the current ideas about slowing and/or reversing global climate change are not only mostly impossible to put into effect right now, but also costly (Kuchment, 2010). Comparibly, green technology is relatively inefficient for the price you pay. Instead of depending so much on carbon, scientists have begun to glance toward renewable energy (Peckham, 2009). Renewable energy is a naturally-occurring, ideally inexhaustible energy source (Renewable Energy, n.d.). Typically, we think of the usuals: solar and hydroelectric. Hydroelectric is associated with its own problems, though, like regional flooding and disruption of microclimate. However, solar appears to have few negative side effects. Solar panels absorb electromagnetic radiation from the inner radiative layer of the sun (Pidwirny, 2010). Eventually, though, inefficiency must be dealt with. Typically, todays better solar panels are only about 30% efficient (SolarHome.org, 2009), and the best panels with the most careful planning are about 40% efficient (Green, 2008). This means that only about 30- and 40% (respectively) of the energy harvested is going to power our lives. Nanotechnology has created a solar panel that could be 80% efficient, which is a

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

monumental improvement- if that energy could be harvested (Green, 2008). Currently, those

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solar panels have no way of having their energy be collected, rendering the technology useless for the moment. And what about the cost of these solar panels? Green technology comes with a price in a literal sense Current technology can cost billions of dollars (Kuchment, 2010), rendering it useless for people who dont have the financial means to purchase it. Solar panels are especially expensive. Its important to research solar panels that may not be as efficient, but will get the job done for less solar panels like dye-sensitized solar cells. Generally, these solar cells are only about 11% efficient (Chiba, Islam, Watanabe, Komiya, & Koide, 2006), but with further research, they could be improved without increasing the cost. Dye-sensitized solar cells, or DSSC, consist of dyed titania particles suspended in an electrolyte and placed between two pieces of transparent material (Hardin, 2010). They are easy to make and built from cheaper materials, which renders the whole system much less expensive. Work has been done with nanostructures of titanium dioxide molecules being electro-spun onto the surface of conducting glass with a polymer attached to another piece, electrolytes floating between them with a seal (Gonda, Okuyama, Takashima, Furusaki, & Uchida). However, these methods can increase the cost of the solar cell, and the low cost is one of the main attractions of DSSCs. This cheap efficiency makes them especially interesting to scientists Maybe consumers can get more bang for their buck. The first layer in DSSCs is the glass covering. The most common type of glass is sodalime, consisting of about 60-75% silica (Lenntech, 2009). There are other types, including tinchloride (SnCl) and low-e. Conductive glass, like tin-chloride, is usually coated in a thin layer of

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

tin alloy (Heckenlively, 2006). Although they can cost more, they give the benefit of being

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slightly more conductive than regular glass. Low-e glass is effective because it absorbs IR light, or heat energy (Certincoat, n.d.). This is good for increasing the absorbed amount of energy by solar panels. More important than the glass, though, is what lies in between. The electrolytes for this experiment were organic dyes, including blackberry, blueberry, and pomegranate juice. Because these liquids were organic and acted as natural electrolytes, no extra electrolytes were added. Pomegranate juice contains an average of 6.62 grams of glucose (Krueger Food Laboratories, n.d.) and blueberry juice has 5.58 grams (Highbush Blueberry Council, 2004). To prevent any removal of macromolecules or electrolytes that may happen during a filtration process, dyes were created on site from berries or purchased as a pure, non-concentrate juice. Titanium dioxide was suspended in each electrolyte/dye. Titanium dioxide is also called TiO2, made up of two titanium and one oxygen atom. After the dye transfers the excited electrons to the TiO2, the TiO2 separates the charge (Smestad, 1998), which releases energy. This released energy can be harnessed, which drives the actions of the solar cell. However, the titanium dioxide is not nearly as effective without the dye that helps transmit the light. Titanium dioxide is naturally white and reflects most light, which is why the dye is required. Dye-sensitized solar cells are the key to making solar panels more widely available. Without the cooperation of people from every social class, country, and ethnicity, the green movement wont be successful. By making the switch from fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources to renewable energy, environmental issues like global climate change can be

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

confronted. If the world agreed on just this one thing, imagine what could be possible in the

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future. Methodology The independent variables in this experiment were the dyes and structures of the solar panel. Dye types were blackberry juice, blueberry juice, and pomegranate juice. The titanium dioxide grains were a fine powder. The glass used was low e or architectural glass, cut to approximately the size of a microscope slide (7.5x2.5x.5cm). The dependent variable was the electrical output, which was measured by hooking up each prototype to a volt meter, which measures the current output of the device. Research began by trying to make a working panel structure. Conductive sides of glass were identified using the micro-amp volt meter, and the non-conductive side was marked to reduce interference. The original design implemented mixing the nanotubes straight into the juices and putting them directly on the glass. Copper wires were then added, and a loose sandwich was created. However, null data was collected, so to reduce contact, tape was added to the design. Still, null data was collected. A new design was used (Smestad, 1998), and after many minor tweaks, such as a double-dyeing process, a reliably working design was created. For visual guidance on the design change process, see figure 1.3, 1.4. The effect of dye type was then researched. Only organic dyes (in this case, blackberry, blueberry, and pomegranate juice) were tested. The titanium dioxide [2g] was measured into a mortar, and then six drops of dilute acetic acid [1ml acid for 10ml water] were added. 3ml of blueberry juice was put in the mortar with two drops of clear soap, and a pestle was used to mix the contents into a smooth-consistency mixture. A thin layer of the dyed TiO2 was placed onto

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

the glass pieces and they were cooked on a hot plate until the pink mixture turned slightly brown.

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The pieces were allowed to cool before they were re-dyed to remoisten them and put back together. The test was repeated for each juice with five trials, resulting in fifteen tests. Figure 1.3 Solar cell structural changes

The drawings indicate the original, intermediate, and final designs of the solar cells. The first included loose solution on the cell with copper wires put directly in the solution. The next used tape to prevent the copper from touching opposing sides of glass and leakage of fluid. The final design cooked on the dyed solution and then re-dyed it before putting the pieces together and hooking the clamps up to the excess glass. Figure 1.4 - Technical Drawing: Solar Cell Model

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Data Interpretation The purpose of this project was to design and build a more efficient and cost-effective dye-sensitized solar cell. The research hypothesis stated, If dye type is tested in dye-sensitized solar cells, then the blueberry juice will be the most effective in increasing the efficiency of the cells. In analysis of the data, the research hypothesis was supported that blueberry juice would yield the most effective electricity generation (F=101.8, DF=8, P<.001). The blueberry solar cells had an almost doubled amount of generated electricity in comparison to blackberry juice. Raw data can be found in Appendix C (p.19). Descriptive Statistic Mean Standard Deviation Trials Blackberry 24.88 5.363 5 Blueberry 61.52 6.912 5 Pomegranate 11.10 2.246 5

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Figure 2.1 The Effect of Juice Type on Electrical Output (mV)

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70 60 50 40 Electricity (m V) 30 20 10 0 Bla ckberry Blueberry Juice Type Pomegra na te

Based on the results displayed in figure 2.1, blueberry juice is more effective than blackberry and pomegranate juice as a dye in these solar cells. The darkness of the dye may have impacted the results; blueberry was the darkest dye, blackberry was the intermediate color, and pomegranate was the lightest. Cost Comparison Architectural glass (or low-e glass) costs approximately $35 per square foot (GardenWeb, 2009). A pound of frozen blueberries costs approximately $5, and yields about 120ml of juice. A half-pound of titanium dioxide powder can be bought for $7.50 (Organic Creations, 2010). Twenty-five ounces of clear dish soap can be purchased for $6 (Office Depot, 2010). Acetic acid (vinegar) costs $1 for 12 fluid ounces. This project used (for 5 solar cells) two grams of titanium dioxide, three milliliters of juice, and ounce of dish soap. Photovoltaic cells being used

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

commercially in homes cost from $300-$700, depending. A Kyocera KC80 (38.5x25.6) solar

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panel costs $640 (Steves Debris, 2010) and gives 12V of electricity (Wholesale Solar, 2010). Cost total Low-e glass $35 (sq. ft) 1 sheet=1 sq. ft Blueberries TiO2 Soap Vinegar Total $5 (120 ml) $15/lb=453.592g $6 (25oz) $1 (12 fl. Oz) 354.88 ml Used 3x1x.2 per 1 sheet = 48 3 ml 2g oz 1 ml $0.12 $0.07 $0.06 <$0.01 $0.02 $0.01 $0.01 <$0.01 $1.50 Cost (5) Per panel

$3.65 x 2 = $7.30 $1.46

One DSSC in this project can create up to 64 milli-volts of electricity compared to the 12,000 milli-volts made by a Kyocera panel. To make as much energy as a $640 panel, approximately 187.5 experimental panels must be used. The cost of that many of those panels would be around $281.25, which is 2.28 times less than the cost of one Kyocera cell. Possibly double the amount of energy could be created with the same amount of money based on these results. Conclusions The purpose of this experiment was to design and build a more cost-effective solar cell. The research hypothesis stated, If dye type is tested in dye-sensitized solar cells, then the blueberry juice will be the most effective in increasing the efficiency of the cells. The results supported the research hypothesis, and the null hypothesis was rejected. Blueberry juice was on

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

average twice as effective as a dye compared to blackberry juice, making it a much more potent

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dye than its competitors. By increasing the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells, scientists improve the likelihood that solar energy will soon be a common energy source. Making solar energy affordable makes it marketable, which will help incorporate it into our daily lives. Since dyesensitized solar cells are inexpensive and are continuously becoming more efficient as research continues, it will be short while before these panels begin making appearances in small appliances. It is this hope that drove the research conducted. By sparking a new interest and driving further research, scientists can develop this product until it is ready for widespread use.

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Acknowledgments

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Loyds Glass Co. Inc. cut the glass into the appropriate dimensions. The Rockdale Magnet Fund provided titanium dioxide powder. Gundy Knos provided the juices and berries used as/to create the dyes. Amanda Baskett and David Bonar assisted with troubleshooting, experimental problems, and editing the research paper.

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Literature Cited

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Certincoat. (n.d.). What is Low e glass?. Retrieved from http://www.arkema-inc.com/index.cfm?pag=84 Chiba, Y., Islam, A., Watanabe, Y., Komiya, R., & Koide, N. (2006). Dye-sensitized solar cells with conversion efficiency of 11.1%. Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 45. Retrieved from http://jjap.ipap.jp/link?JJAP/45/L638/ Enzler, S. M. (2009). Fossil fuels. Retrieved from http://www.lenntech.com/greenhouse-effect/fossilfuels.htm Global Climate Change. (n.d.). WordNet 3.0. Retrieved March 12, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/global climate change GardenWeb. (2009, February 27). Cost of low-e glass. Retrieved from http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/windows/msg0210501621850.html?6 Gonda, I., Okuyama, Y., Takashima, J., Furusaki, K., & Uchida, S. (n.d.). Dye-sensitized solar cell structure suitable for high power module. Electro-Chemistry, 206, Retrieved from http://www.electrochem.org/dl/ma/206/pdfs/0470.pdf Green, H. (2008). 80% efficient solar panel? EcoGeek, Retrieved from http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1329 Han, L., Islam, A., Komide, N., & Yamanaka, R. (2009). Alternative technology enables large-area solarcell production. SPIE, 1774. Retrieved from http://spie.org/documents/Newsroom/Imported/1774/1774_6214_0_2009-08-28.pdf Hardin, B.E. (Designer). (2010). The Dye sensitized solar cell. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/swissnexSF/the-science-behind-dyesensitized-solar-cells Heckenlively, J.R. (2006). Principles and practice of clinical electrophysiology of vision. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=QMHQmryI82sC&pg=PA616&lpg=PA616&dq=%22types+o f+conductive+glass%22&source=bl&ots=d0GVlpG_ft&sig=53KHYfFyR9ThDr9DB4_egq_i2k8 &hl=en&ei=mPvjS7_BJ4H78AbPvtWnBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved= 0CBsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22types%20of%20conductive%20glass%22&f=false

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Highbush Blueberry Council. (2004). Composition of blueberries. Retrieved from www.blueberry.org/Nutrition2.pdf Kohle, O., Ruile, S., & Graetzel, M. (1996). Ruthenium(ii) charge-transfer sensitizers containing 4,4'dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine. synthesis, properties, and bonding mode of. Inorganic Chemistry, 35(16), Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ic9515665 Krueger Food Laboratories. (n.d.). Composition of pomegranate juice. Retrieved from http://www.kfl.com/pom.html Kuchment, A. (2010, March). Climate engineering. Reader's Digest, 152-155. Lenntech. (2009). Glass. Retrieved from http://www.lenntech.com/glass.htm Organic Creations, . (2010). Titanium dioxide powder. Retrieved from http://www.organiccreations.com/servlet/the-891/titanium-dioxide-natural-soap/Detail Office Depot, . (2010). Seventh generation natural dish soap liquid. Retrieved from http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/299590/Seventh-Generation-Natural-Liquid-DishSoap/?cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Google-_-Cleaning_and_Breakroom-_299590&mr:trackingCode=A148DB1A-EC81-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA Peckham, S. (2009, April). Livin off the grid: solar decathlon is as green as it gets. Techdirections, 1415. Pidwirny, M. (2010). Solar radiation. The Encyclopedia of Earth. Retrieved March 10, 2010 from http://www.eoearth.org/article/Solar_radiation Renewable Energy. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 15, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/renewable energy Smestad, G. (1998). Titanium dioxide raspberry solar cell. Retrieved from http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/nanolab/TiO2/index.html SolarHome.org. (2009). Solar panels. Retrieved from http://www.solarhome.org/ Steve's Debris, . (2010). Kyocera photovoltaic panel. Retrieved from http://www.stevesdebris.com/StevesDebrisItem.php?item=48702 Wholesale Solar, . (2010). Model: kc85t. Retrieved from http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/module-folder/kyocera/KC85T.html

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Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Appendix A

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Detailed Procedures Safety Discussion All research was conducted in cooperation with a trained professional. No harmful chemicals were used during experimentation. Glass and other sharp objects were handled with care, and any broken pieces were disposed of in an appropriately-marked safety disposal bin. All other items were discarded in appropriate disposal bins. Materials and Equipment List The experiment involved 20 grams of titanium dioxide powder. It also used blueberry juice [15 ml] as a dye, as well as raspberry [15 ml] and pomegranate juice [15 ml]. Protective covers were made from low e type glass [1x3] as well as glass cover slips for control testing. The sun was used as a light source, and a volt meter measured electrical output. Procedure This project had five trials, so every procedure was repeated nine times with each variable. -Dye type and TiO2 powder. On day one, the TiO2 was combined with the different dyes. On day two, the dyes were cooked onto the conductive glass. They were then re-moistened with their respective juices and pieces were put together. The cells were taken outside in the sunlight and tested for electrical output.

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Revisions and Optimization

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During the course of the research, the structure of the panels was changed several times. The original design, shown in figure 1.1, used copper wires running out of the juice. This design did not work as the mixture leaked out the sides of the system. It was modified to ensure that the wires would only touch one piece of glass each and the juice would not leak, but this failed as well. The design went through several smaller transitions until it reached the final design, shown in figure 1.2. This design implemented the attachment of the mixture and a double-dyeing process. It also did not use copper wires. Figure 1.1 First technical drawing of the solar cell

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Figure 1.2 Final technical drawing of the solar cell

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Procedures 1. Materials were collected. 2. Blueberry juice was extracted from berries. 3. Titanium dioxide was measured into a mortar and pestle. 4. Dilute acetic acid, clear soap, & juice added. 5. Mixed to smooth consistency. 6. Mixture put onto conductive glass. 7. Glass slides put together. 8. Taken outside and hooked up. 9. Data was collected [open-circuit voltage; 200mV]. 10. Repeat steps 2-9 with blackberry and pomegranate juice.

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Appendix B

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Experimental Design Diagram The Effect of Structure and Dye Type on the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells If dye type is tested in dye-sensitized solar cells, then the blueberry juice will be the most effective in increasing the efficiency of the cells. Dye Type Blueberry juice 5 Trials DV: Open-circuit voltage Constants: Test environment Blackberry juice 5 Trials Pomegranate juice 5 Trials

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Appendix C

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Raw Data Trial # Blueberry
(Current: DCV)

Blackberry
(Current: DCV)

Pomegranate
(Current: DCV)

1 2 3 4 5

69.0 mV 58.2 mV 55.3 mV 56.1 mV 63.7 mV

26.6 mV 28.3 mV 22.6 mV 16.7 mV 30.2 mV

8.6 mV 13.5 mV 10.8 mV 9.3 mV 13.3 mV

DCV: Direct Current Voltage mV: milliVolts

Building a More Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Appendix D: Photos of Experimentation

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