Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) are efficient and with low manufacturing costs, they are an ideal solution to our need for sustainable energy. This paper published in October 2012 reviews the fundamentals of DSSCs.
A DSSC. Retrieved from: engadget
DSSCs utilize sunlight as its source of energy, which is converted into usuable energy. It contains a light sensitizer connected to a semiconductor that faciliates the excitation of electrons which are able to enter a series of redox reactions. The continuous cycle of electrons through the circuit generates energy which can be used in our daily lives, or for other practical uses within industries.
In a separate study published in October 2019, Huang et al. proposed to optimize the counter electrode (CE) from a Pt CE, to a 2D nanosheet composed of Co-Ni-Se. This turned out to be successful as the Co-Ni-Se complex catalyzes the reduction of the I3– electrolyte more effectively compared to the traditional Pt CE that is typically used. This increases the rate at which energy is generated and stored for industrial or personal use.
Schematic Diagram of a DSSC. Retrieved from: Gamry
How can this be applied to us in everyday life?
DSSCs can be installed on the roof of our houses to supply electricity during the day. This decreases our dependency on fossil fuels for energy, which are harmful to both terrestrial and marine life. It can also be used to generate energy and be stored within a battery pack for portable charging of cellular devices.
DSSCs on the Roofs of Buildings. – Retrieved from RedNewsWire
Why Should we Invest in DSSCs?
The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that energy consumption will increase by approximately 28.6% between 2020 and 2050. This increases the demand for sustainable energy along with the depletion and harmful environmental effects of fossil fuels. Solar energy is an abundant and clean source of energy which makes photovoltaics such as DSSCs a desirable product. More money should be allocated for the research and development of DSSCs as they may be the solution to our energy crisis in the long term.
– Jackson Kuan
