Designing Eco‐Sustainable Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells by the Use of a Menthol‐Based Hydrophobic Eutectic Solvent as an Effective Electrolyte Medium. Issue 67 (30th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boldrini, Chiara Liliana; Manfredi, Norberto; Perna, Filippo Maria; Capriati, Vito; Abbotto, Alessandro
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 24:Issue 67(2018)
• Page Start: 17656
• Page End: 17659
• Publication Date: 2018-10-30
• Subjects: dye-sensitized solar cell -- energy conversion -- hydrophobic eutectic solvent -- menthol -- solar energy -- sustainable chemistry; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201803668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

Abstract: The use of a hydrophobic eutectic solvent based ondl ‐menthol and a naturally occurring acid such as acetic acid has been tested as an eco‐friendly electrolyte medium in dye‐sensitized solar cells. In the presence of a de‐aggregating agent and a representative hydrophobic organic photosensitizer, the corresponding devices displayed relatively good power conversion efficiencies in very thin active layers. In particular, the higher cell photovoltage detected in comparison to devices based on toxic and volatile organic compounds may stem from a more efficient interface interaction, as suggested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies showing greater charge recombination resistance and electron lifetime. Abstract : Moving towards sustainable energy solutions ! The first environmentally friendly hydrophobic eutectic solvent‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been designed and fabricated. These low‐cost solar cells exhibit power energy conversion efficiencies that compare well with those of traditional DSSCs based on toxic and volatile organic compounds.