Liquid electrolytes are known to have high conductivities. However, they suffer from leakage, corrosion of electrodes and other stability issues. Solid polymer electrolytes eliminate the problems of liquid electrolytes at the cost of lower conductivity. Quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes (QSSPE) overcome the shortcomings of both liquid electrolytes and solid polymer electrolytes. In this work, QSSPE is prepared by incorporating poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) in a propylene carbonate (PC) and 1-methyl-3-propyl imidazolium iodide (MPII) liquid electrolyte. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies have been carried out to investigate the interactions among PVdF-HFP, PC and MPII. A comprehensive spectroscopic investigation on ion-solvent-polymer interactions helps to understand the mechanism of ionic conduction in the PVdF-HFP/PC/MPII electrolyte system. Interaction between MPII and PC has occurred from the changes in the ν(C=O), ν(C-O) + ω(C-H), ω(C-H) + δ(C-H) and τ of ring of PC as well as the C-N bond oscillation and of (N-C-H) of MPII. Interaction occurs via the coordination of MPIm+ cations with both oxygen atoms of PC. Complexation between PVdF-HFP and MPII has been noted. MPII suppresses the non-polar α-phase and induces the polar β and -phases of PVdF-HFP. Shift of peaks belong to the CF2 and CF3 groups of PVdF-HFP suggests the complexation occurs at the fluorine atoms in CF2 and CF3 groups. Evidence of interaction between PC and PVdF-HFP has been manifested through the change of the ν(C=O), τ(C-H) + δ(C-H) and ν of the CF2 group of PVdF-HFP. Disappearance of non-polar α-phase of PVdF-HFP is noted in the presence of PC. From this work, the authors hope to shed some light on understanding the conduction mechanism in PVdF-HFP:PC:MPII electrolytes. Understanding the conduction mechanism is important in order to find ways for conductivity improvement.
Current work employs dye extracted from leaves of Costus woodsonii as a new sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The leave was extracted in three different solvents namely ethanol, methanol, and acetone. Extraction of leaves was carried out by the freezing method. DSSCs with the configuration of TiO2/dye/electrolyte/Pt were assembled. The dyes in DSSCs were Costus woodsonii leaves extracted in methanol, ethanol, and acetone. DSSC with methanol extract of leaves has an efficiency of 0.23 % and short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.63 mA cm-2. DSSC sensitized with ethanol extract of leaves has an efficiency of 0.37 % and Jsc of 0.85 mA cm-2. DSSC sensitized with acetone extract of leaves shows the highest efficiency of 0.48 % and Jsc of 1.35 mA cm-2. The performance of the DSSCs in this work is compared with other natural dye-based DSSCs. The efficiency obtained in this work is better or at par with the works reported by other researchers. Keywords: Natural dye; Costus woodsonii; Leave; Dye-sensitized solar cells
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