2. Disadvantages of Conventional solar cells
Low efficiency
Costly equipment
High initial cost
Requires experts to manufacture
3. INTRODUCTION
Photochemical solar cells converts visible light into electricity.
A photochemical solar cell that is based on the dye-
sensitization of thin nanocrystalline films of TiO2
nanoparticles.
4. What is DSSC?
A dye‐sensitized solar cell(DSSC) is a low‐cost solar cell
belonging to the group of thin film solar cells.
First version of a dye solar cell, also known as the Gratzel
cell, was invented by Michael Gratzel.
5. Components of DSSC
Transparent conducting and counter conducting
electrodes
The nanostructured wide band gap semiconducting
layer
The dye molecules
The electrolyte
6. How to make a DSSC?
The anode is transparent like glass.
Between the anode and the cathode is a mesh of Titanium
Dioxide nanoparticles.
The TiO2 nanoparticles are coated with a light absorbing dye
that converts photons into electrons.
An Electrolyte (Iodide) fills the spaces between the TiO2
nanoparticles.
Put all these pieces together to have DYE SENSITIZED
SOLAR CELL.
8. When a photon strikes a dye molecule, the energy from the
photon is absorbed into the dye molecule. The dye molecule
enters an excited state and emits an electron.
The emitted electron travels through the TiO2 nanoparticles
until it reaches the anode.
The dye molecule just emitted one of its own electron, it will
start to decompose unless it receives another electron to
replace the one it lost.
The dye coated TiO2 nanoparticles are immersed in the
solution of iodide. The iodide is able to replace the electrons
lost by the dye molecules.
The iodide molecules are oxidized into tri-iodide which will
float around until it comes in contact with the cathode.
9. The tri-iodide recovers the missing electron from the cathode
which reduces tri-iodide back to three iodide molecules.
The electron emitted from the dye flows from the anode to
whatever is powered by DSSC and then flow back into the cell
through the cathode.
The electrons from the cathode restores the electron needed by
the iodide which restores the electron needed by the dye
molecules and the whole process starts over again.
11. Advantages
Dye sensitized solar cells are the most efficient third-
generation solar technology available & is greatly used in
applications like rooftop solar collectors.
DSSCs work even in low-light conditions. Hence they are
very popular under cloudy weather conditions and non-direct
sunlight.
DSSCs are built up with only a thin layer of conductive
plastic on the front side to allow radiation of heat much easily.
DSSCs are light weight and flexible.
DSSCs are economical and easy to manufacture.
12. Disadvantages
DSSCs are not considered as an option, for large-scale
developments.
the liquid electrolyte, which is not very stable at varying
temperatures. The electrolyte can freeze at low temperatures
cutting power production and causing physical damage.
Another major drawback is the electrolyte solution, which
contains volatile organic solvents and must be carefully
sealed.
