The Korean Institute of Technology has introduced a new method that allows a solar cell to absorb more light, making it more efficient than its previous amount of 11%. This development was lead by researcher Park Nam-Gyu who claims that this new discovery will improve power consumption by at least 50% making it more efficient and even more cost effective than it was before.
Typically, a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a semiconductor that has been created from a photosensitized anode and an electrolyte. The cell is made of porous TiO2 particles that are covered with a specific dye that interacts with its respective electrolyte.
Nam-Gyu's team was able to improve this design by finding a way to have the TiO2 particles take in different colors of dyes that allow the cell to absorb a wider spectrum of light, which will, in turn, increase efficiency.
This was achieved by copying a scientific method of chromatography that involves separating chemical compound from mixtures. This process works in two phases, including the stationary phase and the mobile phase. In order to form the different layers, the team was able to control the release and settling of the dyes. As a result they were able to vertically align yellow, red and green dyes within the TiO2 film. This alignment was validated by an electron probe micro-analyzer.
It is expected that when the DSSC reaches a higher efficiency, they will become commercialized. This will cause a huge shift in the solar market from silicon based thick film solar cells into lighter dye sensitized solar cells that are expected to reach equivalent efficiencies at a significantly lower cost of production.
Next up is a more homely approach to solar cell usage.
(Information provided by PV-Tech)
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