Using Grätzel cells as Arduino-controlled photosensors: proposals for the insertion of nanoscience and nanotechnology in classroom

Abstract

In this work, the production of Grätzel cells, also called dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), their use as Arduinocontrolled photosensors, and their application for the inclusion of nanoscience and nanotechnology in educational activities are reported. Grätzel cells were manufactured using titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass, KI/I2 solution, graphite, and grape juice as a sensitizer. Among the educational proposals suggested for the integrated use of DSSCs and Arduino, the assembly of a photometer for applications in optics and the construction of a light distance sensor stand out. As a suggestion for further studies, the UV-Vis spectra of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and grape juice were obtained and analyzed in order to illustrate how a deeper understanding of the materials used in DSSCs can provide answers about the mechanisms responsible for the detection properties of Grätzel cells in the context of the nanoscopic world.

Low-cost and easily replicable apparatus: an Arduino controlled device for educational activities focused on measuring Brewster’s angle

“…Arduino is an open-source platform that consists of a microcontroller and a C language-based software, which can communicate with external circuits, engines, displays, sensors, etc [6,7]. As they are based on electronics and programming, the use of Arduino boards is ideal for projects that aim to integrate the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including nanotechnology [8]. In optics, specifically for topics involving light polarization, we can highlight the didactic applications of the Arduino platform mainly in experiments on Malus's law [9,10].…”