Impact of YSZ Solid Electrolyte on the Efficiency and Photoresponse of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11651Keywords:
DSSC, Dye N719, TiO2 mesoporous, Solid electrolyte, Yttria-stabilized zirconiaAbstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an alternative method for converting solar energy into electrical energy and have attracted significant interest due to their environmentally friendly production process, relatively low fabrication cost, and competitive efficiency. This study aims to investigate the efficiency and photoresponse of DSSCs using yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as a solid electrolyte to replace the conventional liquid electrolyte. The DSSC consists of 4 main components: A photoanode made from mesoporous TiO2, a counter electrode using carbon/graphene, the dye N719, and YSZ solid electrolyte. Mesoporous TiO2, YSZ, and graphene were deposited using screen printing, doctor blade, and knife coating methods, while the dye N719 was injected into the film. The samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Based on the analysis result, with the increase of the thickness from 5 - 25 μm, the crystal size was increased from 6.37 - 6.92 nm and porosity was decreased from 63.5% - 58.0%, while the band gap increased (3.34 - 3.37 eV), respectively. The solar cell efficiency and photoresponse were measured using a solar simulator. The highest efficiency achieved was 3.88% for the YSZ thickness. Additionally, the TiO2/YSZ film demonstrated a rapid response to light exposure, making it a promising material for light sensors.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Detailed fabrication methods of DSSC-based solid electrolytes have been provided.
- Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as solid electrolytes were used in DSSC.
- The most optimum solid electrolyte thickness for DSC has been investigated.
- DSSC based on YSZ solid electrolytes showed an efficiency of 3.88%.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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