Triple‐Layer Structured Composite Separator Membranes with Dual Pore Structures and Improved Interfacial Contact for Sustainable Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

A composite separator membrane (CSM) with an A/B/A type layered structure, composed of a microporous electrolyte‐philic poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) gel layer (A) and a submicrometer porous polyethylene (PE) or a macroporous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) non‐woven matrix (B), is introduced in a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Commercially available PE and PET separator membranes (SMs) act as matrices that provide mechanical stability to the DSSC and permanent pore structures for facilitated ion transport. PVdF‐HFP is used as a microporous gelator for improved interfacial contact between the solid SM and the electrodes. The PVdF‐HFP gel impedes the charge recombination process between electron and I3 − at the TiO2/electrolyte interface, resulting in improved electron lifetimes. The DSSC assembled with the CSM exhibits high initial solar energy conversion efficiency (η, 6.1%) and stable η values over 1400 h, demonstrating good long term stability. The behaviors of the DSSC are attributed to the synergistic factors of the CSM, such as improved ion conductivity, electrolyte affinity, electrolyte retention capability, effective interfacial contact, and plausible passivation of the dyes. This study demonstrates a practical combination of short‐ and long‐term DSSC performance through the introduction of the CSM.

A Biodegradable Gel Electrolyte for Use in High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitors

“…Positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, the gel electrolyte not only prevents the electrodes from coming into physical contact, but it also enables free ionic transport with a perfect isolation of electronic flow. 52 The functional enhancement of NaCl−AGAR can be ascribed to three factors. First, the skeleton of the agarose matrix confers excellent mechanical properties of the gel as a framework.…”

Neutral pH Gel Electrolytes for V2O5·0.5H2O-Based Energy Storage Devices

“…On the one hand, these results reveal that PVA-KCl gel plays a significant role in protecting V 2 O 5 ·0.5H 2 O nanowires to avoid structural breakdown. On the other hand, cross-section SEM images (Figure S6d,e) of freeze-dried gel separators show numerous micropores after cycling where microstructure KCl was shown in polymeric PVA matrix, which provides broader conducting pathways for fast ion transport. , …”

“…On the other hand, cross-section SEM images (Figure S6d,e) of freeze-dried gel separators show numerous micropores after cycling where microstructure KCl was shown in polymeric PVA matrix, which provides broader conducting pathways for fast ion transport. 27,35 3.4. Electrochemical Performance of Hybrid ACC// V 2 O 5 •0.5H 2 O-rGO Device.…”

Stabilization of 2D Water Films in Porous Triple‐Layer Membranes with a Hydrophilic Core: Cooling Textiles and Passive Evaporative Room Climate Control

“…Triple layer membranes are an emerging field in multiple research areas such as, battery or fuel cell separators, solar cells, sensors, membrane reactors, catalytic membranes, and membrane distillation . In membrane, distillation triple layers are for the most part enhanced double layer Janus membranes.…”