Circular Design Principles Applied on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

In a world with growing demand for resources and a worsening climate crisis, it is imperative to research and put into practice more sustainable and regenerative products and processes. Especially in the energy sector, more sustainable systems that are recyclable, repairable and remanufacturable are needed. One promising technology is dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). They can be manufactured with low energy input and can be made from non-toxic components. More than 70% of the environmental impact of a product is already determined in the design phase of a product, which is why it is essential to implement repair, remanufacturing and recycling concepts into the product design. In this publication, we explore appropriate design principles and business models that can be applied to DSSC technology. To realize this, we applied the concept of Circo Track, a method developed by the Technical University of Delft, to DSSCs and investigated which design concepts and business models are applicable. This method enables companies to transform a product that is disposed of after its useful life into one that can be used for longer and circulates in material cycles. The most important result is the description of a performance-based business model in which DSSCs are integrated into the customer’s building and green energy is provided as a service. During the operational phase, data is collected for product improvement and maintenance, and repair is executed when necessary. When the contract expires, it can be renewed, otherwise the modules are dismantled, reused, remanufactured or recycled.

Iron-Sensitized Solar Cells (FeSSCs)

“…In the last decades, the development of new materials to increase the devices’ stability and optimize the photovoltaic performances, has represented the main focus of the scientific and technological research. − In the last years, increasing efforts addressed the sustainability and greenness of the developed materials applying a holistic approach. − Historically, ruthenium-based sensitizers are the gold standard, , having reached the highest certified efficiency for DSSCs (12.3%). This leadership has been achieved thanks to exceptional properties of these sensitizers − combining long-lived MLCT states from which the electron is transferred into the semiconductor conduction band (CB) and efficient electron–hole separation thus limiting the back-recombination processes. − …”

Acenaphthylene-Based Chromophores for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Properties, and Theoretical Calculations

“…This carbon-free energy source is expected to play a prominent role in the achievement of carbon neutrality. , Some of these alternative technologies for energy conversion or storage are based in redox mediation processes that are at the core of many electrochemical devices, such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). , The photovoltaic (PV) dye sensitized solar cell initially reported by O’Regan and Grätzel represents one of the most interesting alternatives to the common silicon solar cells. This technology overcomes some of the many limitations of Si-based PV systems, such as their energy-intensive manufacturing methods, the poor conversion efficiency in low light intensities, and the relatively higher maintenance, driving the research to the last generation of PV cells, the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). , A DSSC device comprises a photoelectrode containing a dye adsorbed to a porous TiO 2 layer (anode), a counter electrode (cathode), and an electrolyte (redox mediator) . Despite the advancements made in these devices, their efficiencies remain lower than those of other competing technologies.…”

“…This technology overcomes some of the many limitations of Si-based PV systems, such as their energy-intensive manufacturing methods, the poor conversion efficiency in low light intensities, and the relatively higher maintenance, driving the research to the last generation of PV cells, the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). 6 , 7 A DSSC device comprises a photoelectrode containing a dye adsorbed to a porous TiO 2 layer (anode), a counter electrode (cathode), and an electrolyte (redox mediator). 8 Despite the advancements made in these devices, their efficiencies remain lower than those of other competing technologies.…”

Synergetic effect of TiO2/ZnO bilayer photoanodes realizing exceptionally high VOC for dye-sensitized solar cells under outdoor and indoor illumination

“…[6][7][8][9][10] In addition, the use of environmentally friendly materials, less energyintensive manufacturing process, possibilities of fabricating these devices on exible substrates like metal and plastics and the compliance for recycling and reusing further enhance the application possibilities and market penetration of DSCs. [11][12][13][14][15] Electronic communication devices in the IoT ecosystem require only low current (in the mA to mA range) but a higher threshold voltage (>1 V) for continuous operation. [16][17][18] This demands developing DSCs that deliver higher voltage, preferentially above 1 V under ambient/indoor illumination, from single junction devices, which will ultimately reduce the need for interconnection, thereby reducing the device's footprint and ownership cost.…”