My Experiment: Dye-Sensitized
Solar Cells (DSSC)
BY: ALDEN DANIEL
10/15/2012
Picture Reference: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Solar_cell.png
Experiment
 Testing the effectiveness of different dyes (fruit
juices) in dye-sensitized solar cells
Picture Reference: http://hometowncolumbia.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/strawberry_blueberry.jpg?w=490
Materials
 Clear conductive surface (ITO glass)
 Electron donor (organic dye)
 Electron receiver (TiO2)
 Electrolyte (I3 + H2O )
 Voltmeter
 SUN
How it Works?
Reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHTbw5jy6qU
What it Looks Like
 Detailed procedure available upon request!
Picture Reference: Research on the usability of low-cost materials in dye sensitized solar cells
Results
Dye
Circuit Voltage
/mV
Light Intensity
mW/cm²
Red Wine Number 1
440
16
Red Wine Number 2
290
16
Hibiscus Extract in Water
370
30
Hibiscus Extract in Water/Ethanol 1/1
445
30
N719 Ru 0,25 mmol/l in ethanol 96%
460
30
Data Reference: Research on the usability of low-cost materials in dye sensitized solar cells
Improvements
 Test for durability
 Test an array of potential dyes
 Different back electrode
 Different catalyst
Conclusion
 Young Technology
 Cheap
 ANYONE CAN DO IT!
References
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHTbw5jy6q
U
 Research on the usability of low-cost materials in
dye sensitized solar cells
Questions?