Modeling and Simulation of a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell with Porous Aerogel Photoanode

Abstract

Nanostructured aerogels are potential candidates for photoanodes in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Recent studies show that solid state DSSC with titania aerogel photoanodes exhibit conversion efficiency of 5.2%. This is mainly attributed to the high short-circuit current density achieved by more dye adsorption and reduced recombination of charge carriers. In this paper we have attempted to develop a simulation based on a theoretical model to understand the performance of aerogel based DSSC. The theoretical results obtained are compared with the experimental results. The results generated by the theoretical model agree well with the results obtained experimentally.

Simulation of Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell with Mesoporous Zinc Oxide Layer of Different Thicknesses and with Dye-Sensitisers of Different Absorption Coefficients

“…High J is attributed to longer electron lifetime and diffusion length. On the other hand, range of V conforms with literature review, which is close to 1 V [9] [19]. Optimum thickness is chosen as the thickness at which output power is maximum.…”

“…When thickness is increased further than optimum value, photocurrent density decreased since electron recombination rate is greater [19] [20]. Furthermore, electron back transfer to the electrolyte contributes to lower V OC at greater thicknesses [19]. Efficiency was highest at the optimum thickness.…”

“…The value of J is high compared to other simulation studies. Studies using TiO 2 nanoparticle based DSSC obtained 11.3 mA/cm 2 for an optimum thickness of 24 µm [19] and 2.885 mA/cm 2 for Fig. 6.…”

“…Photocurrent density increased with increasing thickness because more photons could be absorbed by the photoanode [19]. Larger contact surface between dye-sensitiser and metal oxide boosts electron injection rate [20].…”

“…Larger contact surface between dye-sensitiser and metal oxide boosts electron injection rate [20]. When thickness is increased further than optimum value, photocurrent density decreased since electron recombination rate is greater [19] [20]. Furthermore, electron back transfer to the electrolyte contributes to lower V OC at greater thicknesses [19].…”