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Dye Sensitized TiO2 Photoelectrochemical Cells with Polymer Electrolytes--EIC Laboratories, Inc., 111 Downey Street, Norwood, MA 02062-2612; 781-769-9450
Dr. Dharmasena Peramunage, Principal Investigator
Dr. A. C. Makrides, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82567
Amount: $750,000
Dye sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DSPCs) are promising as low cost photovoltaic alternatives. However, problems remain in creating devices with reproducible performance and in developing large area manufacturing processes that exploit the simple cell structure. This project will develop the materials and manufacturing processes for the economical production of DSPCs. The approach is based on polymer electrolyte technology, which is being developed for Li ion batteries and electrochromic windows (devices similar in structure to DSPCs). Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of producing high current density DSPCs, utilizing several polymeric electrolyte systems (one employing polyAMPS and the other two being Li-based) with conductivities of more than 10-3 S/cm. Efficiencies exceeding 5% were achieved with polymer laminated cells in areas up to 25 cm2. Phase II will optimize structural components and manufacturing technology for DSPC modules that incorporate proprietary polymer electrolytes, and develop module scale-up technology, in order to achieve efficiencies exceeding 12%.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: DSPCs made by continuous coating and lamination processes should reduce the costs of solar cells to under $1/watt. Other applications include integrated power systems for consumer electronics, smart cards, sensors, instrumentation and electrochromic windows, mirrors and eyewear.