Photoanodes for Aqueous Solar Cells: Exploring Additives and Formulations Starting from a Commercial TiO2 Paste

• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202001898
• Publication Date: 2020-10-08T18:38:43Z
• Authors: Lucia Fagiolari; Matteo Bonomo; Alessio Cognetti; Giuseppina Meligrana; Claudio Gerbaldi; Claudia Barolo; Federico Bella
• Keywords: Propylene carbonate; Carboxymethyl cellulose; Screen printing

Abstract Whereas the commercialization of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is finally proceeding taking advantage their low cost and tunable optical features, such as colour transparency for both indoor building‐integrated applications, corresponding aqueous counterpart still at its infancy. As TiO 2 electrode a fundamental component hybrid cells, this work investigates effect different molecular (α‐terpineol, propylene carbonate) polymeric (polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose xanthan gum) additives that can be introduced into commercial paste screen‐printing (or doctor blade). Among all, addition glycol leads to best cell performances, with markedly increased short‐circuit current density (+18 %) power conversion efficiency (+48 respect pristine (commercial) counterpart. When further explored concentration levels, electrodes fabricated from glycol‐based pastes show morphologies, thicknesses which are investigated through (photo)electrochemical, structural, physical‐chemical microscopic techniques.