Development of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) techniques for the optimization of dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Methods for high-throughput validation of cell components for use in dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are needed as the global production of such cells becomes widespread. We have carried out preliminary investigations into the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for high-throughput screening of materials. By coupling the technique of SECM with a light source, we have examined the surface charge of non-earthed pseudo-DSCs under variable light conditions and screened substrates by varying the working electrode potential.By studying the surface currents in a series of tests in which one or more component of a DSC were varied, the effect of TiO 2 , dye and iodide/triiodide electrolyte on the surface characteristics have been examined.

Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: A Comprehensive Review of Experimental Parameters from 1989 to 2015

“…Several research groups have used SECM to characterize the performance of solar cells, or more specifically dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). ,− For example, Wittstock and co-workers investigated the dye (D149) regeneration kinetics in a ZnO-based DSSC . First, they used feedback approach curves with an indirect redox mediator (I 3 – ) to determine the dye regeneration rate constant under different illumination parameters (wavelength and intensity).…”

Applications of scanning electrochemical microscopy in photoelectrochemistry

“…染 料 敏 化 太 阳 能 电 池 (dye sensitized solar cell, DSSC)是1991年由瑞士科学家Grazel等 [58] [25] . 2009年, Wittstock课题组 [59] [25] ; (B) (a) 应用SECM研究ZnO/D149薄膜的实验体系示意图; (b) 催化剂样品阵 列的SECM扫描图 [23] ; (C) (a) 应用SECM筛选DSSC催化剂的实验体系示意图; (b) 具有不同浓度的N719阵列的SECM光电流 图像 [14] ; (D) (a) SECM研究DSSC催化剂的实验体系示意图; (b) 暗态和光照时的SECM扫描图 [62] ; (E) (a) SECM研究量子点敏 化剂再生动力学的实验体系示意图; (b) 不同浓度的T2电解质中的归一化渐进曲线 [63] ; (F) (a) 催化剂阵列的制备示意图; (b) TiO2/Mn-CdS催化剂阵列不同光照下的SECM扫描图 [64] (网络版彩图) 氰吲哚染料(D149)是DSSC中太阳能转换效率很高的 一种染料. 2010年, Wittstock课题组 [23] 又应用SECM反 馈和产生-收集两种模式研究了基于D149/ZnO的染料 敏化太阳能电池在固/液界面上光生阳离子的再生过 程(图10(B)).…”

“…2012年, Kylberg等 [14] 将有机染料N719和MK-2滴加到TiO2/FTO基底上, 应 用SECM检测了具有不同组成、浓度、尺寸的催化剂 阵列的光电流, 通过比较光电流大小筛选出最高效的 催化剂材料(图10(C)). 2014年, Constable等 [62] [65] .…”

Localized Charge Transfer in Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Trioxide

“…SECM has been employed to investigate ingress/digress of cation or anion in various electrode systems, including CNT, polyaniline, , WO 3 , MnO 2 , etc. It has also been applied in tracking the heterogeneous reaction rate in various energy storage devices, such as batteries, − dye-sensitized solar cells, − and fuel cells. , More recently, our group used SECM to investigate the charge transfer kinetics at MnO 2 nanoparticles/electrolyte and polyaniline/electrolyte interfaces, paving paths for improving their performance in electrochemical energy storage applications. , …”