NU 2011-159 

Inventors

Byunghong Lee 

Donald B. Buchholz 

Rober P. H. Chang* 

Short Description

Cost-effective carbon electrode to replace traditional platinum electrodes and improve solar cell efficiency 

Abstract

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an inexpensive alternative to thin film solar cells. However, the efficiency of these solar cells needs to be improved by a factor of 2 and their cost further reduced in order to be competitive in the market. Northwestern University researchers have developed a DSSC that is 50% more efficient than any other solar cell of its kind. The key design features that allow for this significant improvement are the carbon electrode and the plastic electrolyte. Until these innovations were made, DSSC electrodes were made of platinum, an expensive precious metal. Traditional DSSCs also used liquid electrolytes, which made them less stable. The combination of these novel design features will foster further research into DSSCs and make them a viable competitor to thin film solar cells. 

Applications

• Dye sensitized solar cells

Advantages

• Less expensive compared to thin film solar cells and current DSSCs
• More durable and stable then traditional DSSCs

Publications

Lee B, Buchholz DB, Chang RPH.  (2012) An all carbon counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells. Energy & Environmental Science. 5: 6941-6952. 

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 9,966,549.  A PCT application has been filed.