Thesis
Improved efficiency of betanin-based dye-sensitized solar cells and a method of measuring Raman spectroscopy of betanin through quenching of fluorescence with TiO2 colloidal nanoparticles
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2010
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102030
Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are emerging as a possible and less expensive alternative to silicon solar cells. Their advancement is presently limited by the capabilities of the sensitizing dyes used in terms of cost effectiveness, conversion efficiency, and lifetime. Betanin is an abundant and inexpensive natural dye obtained from beets for this study. Results at this point indicate that betanin-based DSSCs are the most efficient cells to use a natural plant pigment as a sensitizer, with conversion efficiencies as high as 2.7%. The improvement in conversion efficiency ([eta]) is the result of a purification technique involving medium pressure liquid chromatography and efforts to reduce charge recombination with a TiCl4 post-treatment of TiO2 electrodes or by incorporating a blocking layer into the design of the DSSC. A method of quenching the fluorescence of betanin with colloidal TiO2 is also described. Doing so allows for the measurement of a Raman spectrum of betanin, reported here for the first time. Also discussed are the ways to further improve [eta] by increasing the open-circuit voltage and preliminary results for the lifetime of a betanin-DSSC under illumination are presented.
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Details
- Title
- Improved efficiency of betanin-based dye-sensitized solar cells and a method of measuring Raman spectroscopy of betanin through quenching of fluorescence with TiO2 colloidal nanoparticles
- Creators
- Cody S. Sandquist
- Contributors
- Jeanne L. McHale (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Chemistry, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525172101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis