A high temperature stable electrolyte system for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The effect of the addition of single and binary additives to a mixed solvent, ethylene carbonate + gamma-butytolactone. on the performance of dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells (DSSCs) has been investigated The addition of a single additive. 2-(dimethylamino)-pyridine,to the electrolyte containing an ionic salt, 1.2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide, in the mixed solvent results in an enhancement of the cell performance The performance of the cell has been further enhanced by the addition of the second additive.5-chloro-1-ethyl-2-methylimidazole The resulting DSSC has performed better than the one based on the conventional electrolyte in acetonitrile The dependence of the stability of the cells on the temperature e has been evaluated vet the range of 30-120 degrees C for outdoor applications (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.