Improved dye-sensitized solar cells using ionic nanocomposite gel electrolytes

In this study, an effect of addition of nanoparticles into a dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) ionic liquid electrolyte was explored. Carbon nanotubes, other carbon nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles were dispersed individually into a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIm-TFSI) ionic liquid electrolyte by grinding. It was centrifuged to form an ionic nanocomposite gel electrolyte. The dispersion of nanoparticles resulted in a substantial increase in their viscosity. Their electric conductivity increased as well. Notable effects were obtained in photocurrent density and voltage measurements of the DSC assembled with them. Energy conversion efficiency of them was significantly improved and increased compared with a DSC using a bare ionic liquid electrolyte. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.