HSC Chemistry Research Task: Production of Materials

Grtzell Cell (Dye Sensitized Solar Cell,

DSSC)

Introduction:
With the increased concern on global emissions and sustainability, the world has begun to invest in
more sustainable sources of energy such as solar energy. Despite the significant technological
advancement of the standard silicon based Photovoltaic cell, the high cost of production has
significantly impacted the implementation of it on a mass scale and is thus not a viable solution.
Grtzell Cells (DSSC) are a form of Photovoltaic (Solar) cell, which mimics the charge separation
process in photosynthesis in its ability to absorb light energy (UV or artificial) to produce an
electrical current and thus an energy source. It uses, like in the leaf, a molecule (dye) that is excited
by sunlight (photons). The DSSC due to the abundance of and thus low cost its parts it poses an
amendment to this issue, however, it is highly inefficient.

1. Structure of the Grtzell Cell

Bibliography:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876619614000035