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

Authors

Andrew Nattestad, University of WollongongFollow
R Kerr
M Ferguson
Y-B Cheng
U Bach

RIS ID

38913

Publication Details

Nattestad, A., Kerr, R., Ferguson, M., Cheng, Y. & Bach, U. (2008). Dye-sensitized nickel(II) oxide photocathodes for tandem solar cell applications. Nanotechnology, 19 (29), 1-10.

Abstract

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. © IOP Publishing Ltd.