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Dye-sensitized nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS solar cells with different organic dyes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Safenaz M. Reda  and
Said A. El-Sherbieny
Safenaz M. Reda*
Affiliation:
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
Said A. El-Sherbieny
Affiliation:
National Institute of Laser, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: safenazr@yahoo.com
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Abstract

We have developed dye-sensitized nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS solar cells (DSSCs) based on crystal violet, methylene blue, and fluorescein photosensitizers. Nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS were synthesized by a green synthesis method using starch as the capping agent. Characterization of nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS was carried out by optical absorption and x-ray diffraction. The results indicate that CdS and ZnS prepared by this method may be used as photoelectodes in photo-electro-chemical energy conversion systems. DSSCs have been built and their photocurrent, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency have been measured under direct sunlight illumination (1000 Wcm−2). The efficiency of the cells made from dye-CdS was much higher than that of the cells made from dye-ZnS. This can be attributed to the particle size effect. Among the prepared dye-sensitized solar cells, a DSSC based on fluorescein dye as the photosensitizer produced the highest overall light solar energy to electricity conversion efficiency.

Keywords

PhotovoltaicSol-gel
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 25 , Issue 3 , March 2010 , pp. 522 - 528
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2010

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