Characterization of PMA–TPAI and PVAc–TPAI solid polymer electrolytes and application in dye‐sensitized solar cell

Abstract

Poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA)-tetrapropylammonium iodide (TPAI) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)-TPAI solid polymer electrolytes were prepared by solution casting method. DSC, FTIR, and conductivity results are reported. TPAI interacts with PMA and PVAc to form PMA-TPAI and PVAc-TPAI complexes. Formation of PMA-TPAI and PVAc-TPAI complexes are supported by the DSC and FTIR studies. Linear relationship for the dependence of glass-transition temperature, T g , on salt concentration allows the estimation of the complexation extent between polymer and salt. A greater extent of complexation for PMA with TPAI is observed and correlated with the FTIR results. The conductivities achieved at 15 wt % of TPAI for PMA and PVAc are 2.6 × 10 −11 and 1.3 × 10 −11 S cm −1 , respectively. Higher dielectric constant and lower T g of PMA result in higher number and mobility of ions, which lead to higher conductivity in accordance with σ = enμ. All-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled with PMA-TPAI and PVAc-TPAI electrolytes. DSSC efficiencies achieved for PMA and PVAc are 2.41% and 2.05%, respectively. Better performance of DSSC with PMA electrolyte is attributed to higher short-circuit current density, J sc , and lower recombination loss. Lower J sc , higher recombination loss, and degradation of counter electrode are the reasons for DSSC degradation.

Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Electrolytes for Next-Generation Quasi-Solid Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: A Review

“…In another study it has been found that addition of a cross-linker in the polymer matrix can also reduce the polymer mobility or flexibility. 247 In general, the conductivity of the neat PMA membrane is approximately 0.9 × 10 −11 S cm −1 , which was augmented by the addition of a certain amount of TPAI to 2.6 × 10 −11 S cm −1 . 247 The improved ionic conductivity was due to the dissociation of TPAI, leading to the generation of more carrier ions, and the possibility of ionic mobility also increased meaningfully.…”

“…247 In general, the conductivity of the neat PMA membrane is approximately 0.9 × 10 −11 S cm −1 , which was augmented by the addition of a certain amount of TPAI to 2.6 × 10 −11 S cm −1 . 247 The improved ionic conductivity was due to the dissociation of TPAI, leading to the generation of more carrier ions, and the possibility of ionic mobility also increased meaningfully. However, after a certain limit of TPAI concentration in electrolyte solution results a significant reduction of ionic conductivity which is due to the ionic reassociation (due to the reduction of ionic distance) which also reduce the photovoltaic performance of the cell, a similar trend has also been found by Xie in his study.…”

Review on the Revolution of Polymer Electrolytes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Azmar et al also have incorporated tetrapropylammonium iodide (Prop 4 I) salt into PMA/PVAc-based GPE as the doping salt . It has reported the maximum efficiency to reach 9.67% with J SC of 22.91 mA cm –2 , V OC of 0.73 V, and FF of 58%.…”

“…The interaction between those atoms leads to a negative shifting of the conduction band edge of TiO 2 photoanode. N -Alkylbenzimidazole (NMBI) is another category of organic compounds (i.e., N -alkylbenzimidazole derivatives) that behave similarly to 4-TBP, where it also leads to an enhancement of the V OC value. , In contrast, the shifting of the conduction band of the TiO 2 photoanode reduces the energy difference between the exciting dye to the TiO 2 conduction band. This phenomenon can result in a less efficient electron injection, and thus, a smaller short-circuit current is produced. − , Bandara et al .…”

“…Azmar et al also have incorporated tetrapropylammonium iodide (Prop 4 I) salt into PMA/PVAc-based GPE as the doping salt. 147 facilitated the ion's movements. It has also been interestingly observed that 142 Prop 4 I has achieved a higher efficiency of 4.16% than MgI 2 , which attained an efficiency of 2.56%.…”