Towards the control of photoelectric processes in dye sensitised photovoltaic cells.

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Project objective

Our goal is to minimise charge recombination losses in Gratzell type solar cells. Such photovoltaic are currently one of the most promising new technologies for renewable energy production. Nevertheless, the relatively low efficiencies of such devices (6-10% for liquid electrolyte devices, 1-3% for solid state devices) are limiting their commercial viability. A key factor limiting the device efficiency is recombination losses at the semiconductor/dye/ electrolyte interface. The Host Institution already has established a strong scientific understanding of such recombination Losses. In this proposal we propose to build upon this knowledge build designing and testing novel Materials/device architectures to minimise recombination losses. Materials design will focus on optimisation of nanocrystalline metal oxide film, including the use Of different metal oxides, composite and core/shell structures designed to favour charge transport over Recombination processes. Film fabrication will build upon procedures already established in the host Institution. Further studies will address post fabrication surface treatments, novel sensitiser dyes and Optimisation of component redox energies. Materials properties will be determined by standard techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, voltametry, spectro-electrochemistry etc. Functional characterisation in DSPC will be conducted Photo electrochemical studies including:- Transient optical studies of interfacial electron transfer dynamic- Photoelectrical device characterisation

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Participants

• IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE · LONDONCoordinatorUnited Kingdom

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