Design issues for improved environmental performance of dye-sensitized and organic nanoparticulate solar cells

Abstract

Link to publication Citation for published version (APA):Reijnders, L. (2010). Design issues for improved environmental performance of dye-sensitized and organic nanoparticulate solar cells. Journal of cleaner production, 18(4), 307-312. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.10.021 General rightsIt is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons). Disclaimer/Complaints regulationsIf you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: http://uba.uva.nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible. a b s t r a c tThough environmental improvement has been claimed for the application of nanotechnology to solar cells, several characteristics of the fullerene-based organic, and the dye-sensitized nanoparticulate, solar cell are not conducive to such improvement. These include relatively high energy and materials inputs in the production of nanoparticles, a relatively low solar radiation to electricity conversion efficiency, a relatively short service life, the use of relatively scarce metals and relatively poor recyclability, if compared with the multicrystalline Si solar cell which currently is the market leader. Moreover, the lack of data and the inability of current methods to handle hazards of nanoparticles generate problems in conducting comparative life cycle assessment of nanoparticulate solar cells. So far, the claimed environmental advantage can not be substantiated for fullerene-based and dye-sensitized nanoparticulate solar cells. There are options for the environmental improvement of these nanoparticulate solar cells, but actual development does not seem to focus on environmental improvement.

Life cycle analyses of organic photovoltaics: a review

“…Nevertheless, it is the authors' hope and the current results are thought of as to be opening the door towards a truly fully recyclable solar cell technology, which can be considered a step forward compared to the poor recyclability reported earlier. 84 If the future would prove them wrong, incineration with heat recuperation and recovery of the metals remains an option. Sadly, in such a case we are burning fullerenes, which for their weight require an enormous amount of energy to produce.…”

Dye pH effect on photoelectric parameters of natural photosensitizer pigment extracted from Alstonia boonei for dye‐sensitized solar cells

“…The lower the resistance, the higher the expected current density of the DSSC. 18,34,35 7 and plotted in Figure 9.…”

Melanins as Sustainable Resources for Advanced Biotechnological Applications

“…[ 713,714 ] There is potential to invest in and/or share infrastructures associated with manufacture (potentially reducing inequality between countries). [ 715 ] The further development of regulatory frameworks regarding electronics production are also needed, contemplating the lifecycle of the electronic devices (from design to production, substitution of toxic materials, [ 716–722 ] durability, efficiency, [ 723,724 ] and disposability [ 620,717 ] ), especially with regard to the impact this could have on those operating in the waste sector (recycling feedstocks could diminish if the electronics are transient/degradable, impacting livelihoods of those in the waste sector [ 725 ] ). A transdisciplinary research agenda is required that not only bridges the academic practitioner gap, but also enables the translation of scientific findings into concrete contexts [ 726 ] to ensure future advances, such as the use of melanins in biosensors for medical applications, taking into account wider implications including economics (markets and demands), legislation (patents and frameworks), and ensuring the production and consumption practices minimize the impact on the environment, society as well assessing the ethical implications, [ 727 ] the latter of which (legislation/ethics) being purple/violet biotechnologies.…”