Finely tuning electrolytes and photoanodes in aqueous solar cells by experimental design. (15th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galliano, Simone; Bella, Federico; Piana, Giulia; Giacona, Giulia; Viscardi, Guido; Gerbaldi, Claudio; Grätzel, Michael; Barolo, Claudia
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 163(2018)
• Page Start: 251
• Page End: 255
• Publication Date: 2018-03-15
• Subjects: Dye-sensitized solar cell -- Aqueous electrolyte -- Sustainability -- Design of experiments -- Multivariate approach -- Electrode/electrolyte interface; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2018.02.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The importance of studying a photoelectrochemical cell through a multivariate approach. First demonstration of chemometrics for aqueous solar cells. Investigating how many experimental factors affect solar cell performance. Identifying a benchmark for future studies in the aqueous photovoltaic field. Abstract: If opportunely developed and optimized, aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells can be considered a truly low impact photovoltaic device, with no toxic components. Here we report the use of design of experiments as a useful chemometric technique for the concurrent investigation of a series of experimental factors that directly influence the proper operation of these photoelectrochemical cells. Results obtained enlighten that a solid mathematical-statistical approach is fundamental to support the researchers and effectively drive the experiments towards the achievements of optimal operating conditions of any new energy device, thus bypassing the energy/time consuming steps of traditional monovariate one-factor-at-a-time method.