Light trapping in nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar cells

S. Foster; S. John

doi:10.1117/12.2024499

25 September 2013 Light trapping in nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar cells

S. Foster, S. John

Proceedings Volume 8824, Next Generation (Nano) Photonic and Cell Technologies for Solar Energy Conversion IV; 882407 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024499
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We describe a design for a photonic crystal dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) that can attain at least a factor of one-third enhancement in solar light absorption relative to a conventional cell. The design consists of a periodic array of modulated-diameter TiO₂ nanotubes filled with TiO₂ nanoparticles and interstitial regions filled with electrolyte. Using nanotubes filled with nanoparticles provides not only light trapping and absorption enhancement, but offers improved electrical transport through the nanotube walls. Keeping the volume of dye-coated TiO₂ nanoparticles in the cell constant, our design gives a maximum achievable photocurrent density (MAPD) of over 21mA/cm² in 2D simulations, well beyond the current record for C101-based cells. The design is shown to be feasible using current manufacturing techniques.

Citation Download Citation

S. Foster and S. John "Light trapping in nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar cells", Proc. SPIE 8824, Next Generation (Nano) Photonic and Cell Technologies for Solar Energy Conversion IV, 882407 (25 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024499

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