Triple‐Layer Structured Composite Separator Membranes with Dual Pore Structures and Improved Interfacial Contact for Sustainable Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells |
| |
Authors: | Soo Bong Hong So Hyun Park Jeong‐Hoon Kim Sang‐Young Lee Young Soo Kwon Taiho Park Phil‐Hyun Kang Sung Chul Hong |
| |
Institution: | 1. Faculty of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Engineering, Sejong Polymer Research Center, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea;2. Interdisciplinary School of Green Energy, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea;3. Department of Chemical Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea;4. Radiation Research Division for Industry and Environment, Korea Atomic Energy Institute, Jeongeup‐si, Jeollabuk‐do, Republic of Korea |
| |
Abstract: | A composite separator membrane (CSM) with an A/B/A type layered structure, composed of a microporous electrolyte‐philic poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) gel layer (A) and a submicrometer porous polyethylene (PE) or a macroporous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) non‐woven matrix (B), is introduced in a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Commercially available PE and PET separator membranes (SMs) act as matrices that provide mechanical stability to the DSSC and permanent pore structures for facilitated ion transport. PVdF‐HFP is used as a microporous gelator for improved interfacial contact between the solid SM and the electrodes. The PVdF‐HFP gel impedes the charge recombination process between electron and I3 ? at the TiO2/electrolyte interface, resulting in improved electron lifetimes. The DSSC assembled with the CSM exhibits high initial solar energy conversion efficiency (η, 6.1%) and stable η values over 1400 h, demonstrating good long term stability. The behaviors of the DSSC are attributed to the synergistic factors of the CSM, such as improved ion conductivity, electrolyte affinity, electrolyte retention capability, effective interfacial contact, and plausible passivation of the dyes. This study demonstrates a practical combination of short‐ and long‐term DSSC performance through the introduction of the CSM. |
| |
Keywords: | dye‐sensitized solar cells porous materials composite materials separators membranes |
|
|