Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell with Energy Storage Function through PVDF/ZnO Nanocomposite Counter Electrode

Abstract

Dye‐sensitized solar cells with an energy storage function are demonstrated by modifying its counter electrode with a poly (vinylidene fluoride)/ZnO nanowire array composite. This simplex device could still function as an ordinary solar cell with a steady photocurrent output even after being fully charged. An energy storage density of 2.14 C g−1 is achieved, while simultaneously a 3.70% photo‐to‐electric conversion efficiency is maintained.

Scattering-layer-induced energy storage function in polymer-based quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

“…The energy storage level of the two cells is comparable with that of previously reported two-electrode PSCs which were based on ZnO/ PVDF nanostructure in CE. 12 The photocurrent density-voltage (J-V) curves of the three cells were measured under AM 1.5 G simulated solar illumination after they were sufficiently illuminated, and the results are shown in Fig. 3.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Another type of PSCs could be regarded as simplex devices, since they contain only two electrodes: One is for solar energy conversion (photoelectrode) and the other is for energy storage (counter electrode, CE). [8][9][10][11][12][13] Traditional two-electrode PSCs could not provide continuous power output after being fully charged under steady illumination, since the photogenerated charges are depleted to charge the energy storage section. [8][9][10] In our previous work, a new type of twoelectrode PSC based on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was reported with both good photo-to-electric conversion efficiency (g) and energy storage capacity via introducing composited ZnO/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanostructure in CE.…”

“…[8][9][10] In our previous work, a new type of twoelectrode PSC based on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was reported with both good photo-to-electric conversion efficiency (g) and energy storage capacity via introducing composited ZnO/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanostructure in CE. 12 The polymer/nanostructured oxide system could possess energy storage capability while allowing the passage of carriers through the structure. The energy storage performance of PSCs depends heavily on the functionalization of CEs.…”

“…In the scattering layer, the pure energy storage material is the dielectric polymer matrix in the pores formed by the large TiO 2 particles. 12,13 The charge-storage densities of C1 and C2 were calculated to be 0.653 C g À1 and 0.442 C g…”

“…Hybridization of photoelectric conversion and energy storage functions in devices has attracted great attentions in recent years due to the increasing demand of renewable energy around the world and the miniaturization and multifunctionalization in electronics industry. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Typically, such photo-self-charging cells (PSCs) consist of two independent sections, a solar cell and a supercapacitor/lithium ion battery. Thus, there were three electrodes in these PSCs.…”