Emerging indoor photovoltaics for self-powered and self-aware IoT towards sustainable energy management

Michaels, Hannes; Rinderle, Michael; Benesperi, Iacopo; Freitag, Richard; Gagliardi, Alessio; Freitag, Marina

doi:10.1039/d3sc00659j

Cited by 28 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…Indeed, several studies have been conducted in this regard, with the I – /I 3– redox mediator under ambient light achieving PCEs higher than 28%. , Additionally, DSCs that operate using cobalt-based redox mediators have been reported with PCEs ranging between 18% and 25% under 1000 lx illumination. , However, DSCs with copper-based electrolytes have demonstrated the highest PCE% values up to 38% and V oc values above 1.0 V under low light conditions. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Ethylisopropyl Sulfone Medium with a Copper-Based Redox Electrolyte for Ambient Light Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Achieving High Efficiency and Enduring Long-Term Stability

Sayah,

Ghaddar

2023

ACS Appl. Energy Mater.

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In recent years, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have shown remarkable efficiency levels, particularly under low light conditions, making them promising candidates for indoor applications. However, for these devices to be successfully commercialized, high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) alone are not sufficient. Long-term stability is a critical aspect that needs to be addressed. Most of the well performing DSCs reported so far have utilized conventional organic solvents, which have low boiling points and are highly volatile. While these solvents contribute to achieving high PCE values, they are prone to leakage and evaporation, limiting the long-term stability of the devices. Herein, we report on cosensitized DSC devices (A−E) with commercial dyes (XY1b/MS5) and different additives. This was accomplished by employing for the first time ethylisopropyl sulfone (EiPS) as a high boiling point solvent along with Cu (I) (dmby) 2 •TFMSI and Cu (II) (dmby) 2 Cl•TFMSI as the redox mediators in DSCs. Remarkably, most of the tested DSC devices exhibited exceptional performance, achieving high PCE values ranging from 19% to 23% under 1000 lx irradiation and up to 0.82% under 1 sun simulated solar light irradiation. Our analysis revealed that the N-methylbenzimidazole (NMBI) additive played a crucial role in ensuring both good PCE% and long-lasting durability, particularly in device B. On the other hand, the use of additives such as 1-butyl-3methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (ImTFMSI) and/or LiTFMSI resulted in deterioration of the photovoltaic parameters during the long-term stability tests in the EiPS-based electrolyte medium, observed in devices C−E. This knowledge opens up possibilities for further optimization of ambient-light DSCs with improved stability and provides a viable solution for indoor power generation applications.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Ethylisopropyl Sulfone Medium with a Copper-Based Redox Electrolyte for Ambient Light Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Achieving High Efficiency and Enduring Long-Term Stability

Sayah,

Ghaddar

2023

ACS Appl. Energy Mater.

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“…The IoT encompasses sensors, actuators, wireless communication networks, and data processing, leading to energy regulation and the creation of intelligent buildings. − The widespread deployment of IoT devices in agriculture, health, and business will significantly benefit society by enhancing energy efficiency. − Typically, these electronic devices require an energy source, such as batteries, supercapacitors, or separate photovoltaic and energy storage units . PCs represent a compact and efficient alternative to these independent energy sources, enabling the development of self-powered devices and systems. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Progress of Photocapacitors

et al. 2023

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In response to the current trend of miniaturization of electronic devices and sensors, the complementary coupling of high-efficiency energy conversion and low-loss energy storage technologies has given rise to the development of photocapacitors (PCs), which combine energy conversion and storage in a single device. Photovoltaic systems integrated with supercapacitors offer unique light conversion and storage capabilities, resulting in improved overall efficiency over the past decade. Consequently, researchers have explored a wide range of device combinations, materials, and characterization techniques. This review provides a comprehensive overview of photocapacitors, including their configurations, operating mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and materials, with a focus on emerging applications in small wireless devices, Internet of Things (IoT), and Internet of Everything (IoE). Furthermore, we highlight the importance of cutting-edge materials such as metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) and organic materials for supercapacitors, as well as novel materials in photovoltaics, in advancing PCs for a carbon-free, sustainable society. We also evaluate the potential development, prospects, and application scenarios of this emerging area of research.

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“…16 First, today their power conversion efficiencies (PCE) have now reached 15% under standard irradiation conditions 17 and over 36% under low light conditions. 18 Second, when non-volatile electrolytes are used, their stability is greatly improved and lifetimes in excess of 10 years have already been demonstrated in accelerated ageing tests, 19 and reaching 12 years in real-world. 20 Thirdly, these solar cells and the corresponding modules are fully customizable; 2,21,22 their shape, colour, and transparency can be adjusted during the manufacturing process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Push-pull photochromic dyes for semi-transparent solar cells with light-adjustable optical properties and high color-rendering index

et al. 2023

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Emerging indoor photovoltaics for self-powered and self-aware IoT towards sustainable energy management

Abstract: IoT devices powered by copper electrolyte-based dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells as ambient light harvesters achieve 38% power conversion efficiency and incorporate a dynamic intelligent on-device energy management system.

Cited by 28 publications

References 59 publications

Investigation of Ethylisopropyl Sulfone Medium with a Copper-Based Redox Electrolyte for Ambient Light Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Achieving High Efficiency and Enduring Long-Term Stability

Investigation of Ethylisopropyl Sulfone Medium with a Copper-Based Redox Electrolyte for Ambient Light Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Achieving High Efficiency and Enduring Long-Term Stability

Progress of Photocapacitors

Push-pull photochromic dyes for semi-transparent solar cells with light-adjustable optical properties and high color-rendering index

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