Synthesis Of Zno And Styrene-Acrylonitrile-Based Electrolyte For The Application Of Quasi-Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell
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Date
2011-05
Authors
Tan, Wee Ching
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) via the zinc-air (Zn-air) system was studied. The ZnO was formed upon discharge completion of the Zn-air system. Potential development of Zn-air as an alternative to ZnO synthesis method was studied to seek the highest surface-to-volume ratio based on the X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy characterization studies. Studies showed that the highest surface-to-volume ratio and ultraviolet emission sample can be fabricated at synthesis current as low as 10 mA at room temperature. Highly crystalline ZnO needle-like formed, measured at ~ 20 nm at the tip and ~ 65 nm at the base. The usability of the synthesized ZnO was also studied based on a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (QSSC) assembly. In order to do so, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) was introduced into encapsulating liquid redox electrolyte to give mechanical stability to the system. This SAN-based electrolyte component in QSSC was also studied to optimize its conductivity and viscosity properties with an optimum composition of 0.5 M sodium iodide + 0.05 M iodine + 19 wt.% SAN. The gel polymer electrolyte exhibits conductivity value of 1.49 mS cm-1 and viscosity value of 1.4 Pa s. Finally, the photocurrent – photovoltage plot of assembled QSSC showed positive response of the usability of ZnO synthesized via Zn-air system.
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Keywords
Zno And Styrene-Acrylonitrile-Based , Quasi-Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell