Analyses of structurally modified quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for dye‐sensitized solar cells. Issue 1 (29th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seo, Seok‐Jun; Hinsch, Andreas; Veurman, Welmoed; Brandt, Henning; Kang, Moon‐Sung; Shin, Sung‐Hee; Moon, Seung‐Hyeon
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 131:Issue 1(2014:Jan. 05)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2013-07-29
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.39739
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>Electrochemical properties of structurally modified quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes were examined using porous substrates (PSs). The PS was prepared into two categories by a phase inversion method with a brominated poly(phenylene oxide) (BPPO): the sponge and finger types. Effects of the humidification and cosolvent compositions on the morphology of the PS were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. In all cases of the PSs, a higher <italic>V</italic><sub>OC</sub> was observed of about 0.1 V than that of a liquid electrolyte owing to a suppressed back electron charge transfer. In addition, the PS prepared by the polymer solution of 1 : 4 : 1 (BPPO : <italic>N</italic>‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone : butyl alcohol) with the humidification process showed better photovoltaic properties in terms of the current density and conversion efficiency owing to the appropriate combinations of pore size, tortuosity, and interconnectivity. Effects of the pore structures were intensively examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedance results revealed that large pores at the surface layers are advantageous for a lower <italic>R<sub>S</sub></italic> and <italic>R</italic><sub>TiO2</sub>. Meanwhile, the straight inner structure is beneficial for the facile I<sup>−</sup>/I<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> diffusion, thus lowering <italic>R</italic><sub>Pt</sub>. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. <bold>2014</bold>, <italic>131</italic>, 39739.</p> </abstract>