Approaching truly sustainable solar cells by the use of water and cellulose derivatives. Issue 4 (6th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bella, Federico; Galliano, Simone; Falco, Marisa; Viscardi, Guido; Barolo, Claudia; Grätzel, Michael; Gerbaldi, Claudio
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 19:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 1043
• Page End: 1051
• Publication Date: 2017-01-06
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/c6gc02625g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : Aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are emerging as the first truly safe, cheap and eco-friendly photovoltaic technology, at the same time overcoming the well-known instability upon moisture/water contamination typical of many solar cells. Abstract : Aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are emerging as the first truly safe, cheap and eco-friendly photovoltaic technology, at the same time overcoming the well-known instability upon moisture/water contamination typical of many solar cells. While many aqueous DSSCs recently proposed still contain little amounts of organic solvents or petroleum-derived polymeric matrices, here we propose the first 100% hydrogel electrolyte, consisting of carboxymethylcellulose as a green jellifying agent, water and iodide/triiodide redox mediator. Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of the resulting electrolytes and solar cells are thoroughly investigated, with a special focus on the long-term stability of the aqueous devices under different operating and aging conditions. The obtained promising efficiencies and stabilities, combined with a metal-free sensitizer, lead here to sustainable, stable, transparent and building-integrable solar cells, without suffering from any safety and/or toxicity issues.