Effect of PEG Molecular Weight on the Polyurethane-Based Quasi-Solid-State Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Nanosilica was surface modified with polyaniline and incorporated into polyurethane to form a polymer matrix capable of entrapping a liquid electrolyte and functioning as quasi-solid-state electrolyte in the dye-sensitized solar cells. The effect on the S−PANi distribution, surface morphology, therm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymers 2022-09, Vol.14 (17), p.3603
Main Authors: Sing Liow, Kai, Sipaut, Coswald Stephen, Fran Mansa, Rachel, Ching Ung, Mee, Ebrahimi, Shamsi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acids
Cellulose acetate
Circuits
Dye-sensitized solar cells
Dyes
Efficiency
Electrodes
Electrolytes
Electrolytic cells
Energy conversion efficiency
Fluorides
Ion diffusion
Molecular weight
Molten salt electrolytes
Morphology
Nanoparticles
Open circuit voltage
Polyanilines
Polyethylene glycol
Polymers
Polyurethane resins
Polyurethanes
Short circuit currents
Solar batteries
Solar cells
Solid electrolytes
Solid state
Solvents
Structural stability
Surface stability
Thermal stability
Titanium
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Summary:Nanosilica was surface modified with polyaniline and incorporated into polyurethane to form a polymer matrix capable of entrapping a liquid electrolyte and functioning as quasi-solid-state electrolyte in the dye-sensitized solar cells. The effect on the S−PANi distribution, surface morphology, thermal stability, gel content, and structural change after varying the PEG molecular weight of the polyurethane matrix was analyzed. Quasi-solid-state electrolytes were prepared by immersing the polyurethane matrix into a liquid electrolyte and the polymer matrix absorbency, conductivity, and ion diffusion were investigated. The formulated quasi-solid-state electrolytes were applied in dye-sensitized solar cells and their charge recombination, photovoltaic performance, and lifespan were measured. The quasi-solid-state electrolyte with a PEG molecular weight of 2000 gmol−1 (PU−PEG 2000) demonstrated the highest light-to-energy conversion efficiency, namely, 3.41%, with an open-circuit voltage of 720 mV, a short-circuit current of 4.52 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 0.63.
ISSN:2073-4360
2073-4360
DOI:10.3390/polym14173603