Research in the lab of Dr. Brian Logue is furthering research into alternative energy through the use of a new study involving the study of solar cells. A new type of solar cells, known as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), is the main focus of this research. What makes DSSCs so unique in comparison to other solar cells is that DSSCs require the light gathering electrode be dyed to improve the absorbance of light by the solar cell. The importance of DSSCs is that they are cheaper to manufacture than regular silicon solar cells, but the issue surrounding DSSCs is their low electricity generation efficiencies.

The project’s main focus is the improvement of DSSCs so that new cells can be created to rival the energy efficiencies of their silicon counterparts, while keeping the manufacturing costs low. Currently, some of the highest energy conversion efficiencies recorded for silicon cells range between 25-30 percent while DSSCs only range from 3-11 percent. Included in this project is the development and testing of DSSCs using different types of dyes, such as the use of coabsorbents and cross-linkers, and cell sealing techniques to improve energy conversion efficiencies.

 

 

 

 

 

DSSC Research Laboratory

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSSCs with spin coater