Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Dye-sensitized nickel(II)oxide photocathodes for tandem solar cell applications

journal contribution
posted on 2008-07-23, 00:00 authored by A Nattestad, M Ferguson, Robert KerrRobert Kerr, Y-B Cheng, U Bach
To date, nickel(II) oxide (NiO) is one of the few p-type semiconductors that has successfully been used for the construction of dye-sensitized photocathodes as well as tandem dye-sensitized solar cells. In this study we present a novel fabrication method for the preparation of mesoporous NiO films based on preformed NiO nanopowders. Critical properties such as pore-size distribution, crystallinity, and internal surface area of the resulting NiO films were controlled through the sintering process and optimized for their application as dye-sensitized photocathodes, resulting in a significantly increased photovoltaic performance, compared to earlier studies. A series of different sensitizers and electrolytes was scrutinized for their application in dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes. Despite its limited absorption range the dye coumarin 343 clearly outperforms other sensitizers used in this study. Values for short-circuit current densities of 2.13 mA cm(-2) and overall energy conversion efficiencies of 0.033% under simulated sunlight (AM1.5, 1000 W m(-2)) are the highest values reported in literature so far.

History

Journal

Nanotechnology

Volume

19

Article number

295304

Pagination

1-9

Location

England

ISSN

0957-4484

Language

eng

Publication classification

CN.1 Other journal article

Issue

29

Publisher

Institute of Physics Publishing

Usage metrics

    Research Publications

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC