Water as Dual‐Function Plasticizer and Cosolvent in Gel Electrolytes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach to developing eco‐friendly dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using natural and renewable materials for gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), reducing reliance on unsustainable solvents. Water is added to polar aprotic solvents, specifically ethylene carbonate/propylene carbonate (EC/PC), across various mass fractions (0:100 to 100:0). An amphiphilic hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) natural polymer is employed to formulate GPEs within this water‐EC/PC cosolvent system, achieving successful gelation up to 50:50 mass fractions. Incorporating water reduced the gel strength and viscosity of the GPEs. Water acted as a plasticizer, enhancing the polymer chains mobility, and creating a more flexible and permeable structure. This increased ion diffusion coefficients and ion mobility, resulting in a maximum ionic conductivity of 18.17 mS cm−1. The highest efficiency achieved in DSSCs using these GPEs is 5.81%, with elevated short‐circuit current density and reduced recombination losses. However, some compositions experienced syneresis, affecting their stability. The GPE with a 40:60 mass fraction exhibited superior long‐term stability because it is free from syneresis, though it achieved a lower efficiency (4.83%), making it the best‐performing sample. This work demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of using gel polymer electrolytes in an aqueous system, improving DSSC efficiency and sustainability.