Optimized dye-sensitized solar cells: A comparative study with different dyes, mordants and construction parameters

Abstract Cochineal and β-carotene were the sensitizers used in the preparation of these solar cells; potassium alum and citric acid were used, separately, as mordant; acetyl acetone was the medium. For comparison purposes, another solar cell was prepared using a dye obtained from achiote (Bixa Orellana) with acetyl acetone. The mordants provide a stabilization of the pigment by improving the adhesion with the substrate (the mesoporous layer), increasing the lifetime of the solar cell; additionally. The use of mordants allows some changes in the dye color optimizing the harvest of the light by the solar cell. The dependence of the mesoporous thickness with the charge density was determined resulting 36 µm the optimum value. The diffusion properties of the dyes into the mesoporous were also determined. Comparisons with other cells are reported.