Issue 8, 2017

Sequential series multijunction dye-sensitized solar cells (SSM-DSCs): 4.7 volts from a single illuminated area

Abstract

Sequential series multijunction dye-sensitized solar cells (SSM-DSCs), which are mechanically stacked single illuminated area DSC devices wired in series, are reported to have exceptionally high photovoltages (Voc) ranging from 1.9–4.7 V from 2–5 stacked subcells. The use of multiple photoactive films under one area within the SSM-DSC framework is made possible by fine-tuning the thickness of TiO2 in each device and by judicious dye selection to allow for excellent light distribution among the films, termed as “photon management”. The SSM-DSC approach allows for incorporation of materials designed to use the maximal potential energy of photons in each region of the solar spectrum. Importantly, SSM-DSCs were observed to maintain high Voc under low-light conditions, rendering these systems very attractive for indoor applications. Additionally, an SSM-DSC was found to have a solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency of 2% (2.7% including H2 production) for the reduction of CO2 to CO with IrO2 and Au2O3 electrocatalysts, without an external bias.

Graphical abstract: Sequential series multijunction dye-sensitized solar cells (SSM-DSCs): 4.7 volts from a single illuminated area

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
01 Jun 2017
Accepted
24 Jul 2017
First published
24 Jul 2017

Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1764-1769

Sequential series multijunction dye-sensitized solar cells (SSM-DSCs): 4.7 volts from a single illuminated area

H. Cheema, R. R. Rodrigues and J. H. Delcamp, Energy Environ. Sci., 2017, 10, 1764 DOI: 10.1039/C7EE01526G

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