Digital printing of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). (15th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raïssi, Mahfoudh; Pellegrin, Yann; Lefevre, François-Xavier; Boujtita, Mohammed; Rousseau, Didier; Berthelot, Thomas; Odobel, Fabrice
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 199(2020)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2020-03-15
• Subjects: Dye-sensitized solar cells -- Digital printing -- Semi-transparent -- Fast fabrication process; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2020.02.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: DSSCs can be advantageously fabricated by Digital Materials Deposition "DMD". DMD fabricated DSSCs are more efficient than by screen printing. DMD is a quick process (less than 15 min). DMD is compatible with large surface, with any shapes and flexible and rigid substrates. DMD is more economical as it saves materials. Abstract: This study reports on the printing of TiO2 nanoparticles and the sensitization of the photoanode by a new digital printing technology, named Digital Materials Deposition "DMD" to fabricate semi-transparent DSSCs. In this study, the push-pull dye coded "D35" and I3 − /I − were used respectively as sensitizer and redox mediator. The photovoltaic performances of the solar cells printed with the DMD technology were compared to those prepared by the conventional method consisting of screen-printed nanoparticles and dying process by overnight soaking of the electrode into a solution of the sensitizer. Scanning Electron Microscopy shows that the DMD printed film is more porous than the one deposited by screen printing. The cells prepared by DMD give higher solar energy conversion efficiency (Jsc = 12.65 mA/cm 2, Voc = 775 mV, FF = 75%, PEC = 7.4%) than with conventional screen-printing technique (Jsc = 10.03 mA/cm 2, Voc = 760 mV, FF = 72%, PEC = 5.48%). IMVS/IMPS measurements demonstrate that the superior photocurrent density delivered by DMD printed solar cells is due to a higher charge collection efficiency. Overall, this study demonstrates that DMD technology simplifies the DSSC fabrication process with a reduction of the material consumption and it is quick and efficient representing an innovative and attractive method to manufacture DSSCs.