"Green" Synthesis of Nanowires on FTO Substrates for Organic Dye-based Solar Cells: Analysis with New Rapid D-SCOPE 2.0

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objectives were: (1) to synthesize nanowires on FTO substrates using environmentally benign synthesis methods, (2) to integrate these into Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs), and (3) to construct a new low-cost tool to rapidly generate DSC characteristic curves. Methods/Materials ZnO nanowires were synthesized on conductive FTO substrates by a sonochemical route at room ambient. A low-cost organic dye was used to sensitize the nanowires by immersion at room temperature. DSCs were assembled using these photoanodes, electrolyte, catalyst, and spacer. A new tool (D-SCOPE 2.0) was designed and programmed to generate DSC characteristic curves. From these curves, fill factor, maximum power output, and overall power-conversion efficiency was derived. Results ZnO nanowire DSCs achieved a higher fill factor than previously published results. Photocurrent density showed a linearly increasing trend with growth cycles. D-SCOPE 2.0 measurements occurred at rates typical of expensive laboratory equipment, at a much lower cost. Conclusions/Discussion Nanowire Solar Cells were successfully constructed using an end-to-end "green" synthesis method. Solar cells based on such inexpensive, environmentally benign DSCs could become a viable renewable energy source in a wide range of applications. The new D-SCOPE 2.0 enables automated measurements at a rate on par with laboratory equipment, but at a cost that is affordable by budget-constrained students.

Awards (1)

• Second Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2010 Physics & Astronomy · Entry S1905

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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