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Textile-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Fabrication, Characterization, and Challenges

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New Research Directions in Solar Energy Technologies

Part of the book series: Energy, Environment, and Sustainability ((ENENSU))

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) developed from natural plant-based dyes gained prominence due to low manufacturing costs and environmental friendliness. There is a strong demand for wearable solar cells utilizing natural plant-based dyes. Currently, a significant focus is on improving the efficiency of a DSSC. Every component and step in the fabrication of a DSSC is crucial in ensuring that a stable and efficient DSSC is developed. Different coating methods were reviewed in the fabrication of both counter and working electrodes in textile-based DSSCs (TDSSC). Various types of plant dyes were used to achieve an excellent conversion efficiency in a TDSSC. A suitable coating method will also allow for proper adhesion of the TiO2 paste, thereby improving the electron transport in the TDSSC. Various methods used in the analysis of the dye to test for the optical properties and photo-electrochemical properties of DSSCs will be studied and analyzed. In a conventional DSSC, both the working and counterelectrodes are made of fluorine-doped glass, while in a TDSSC, either the working or counterelectrodes are made from textile fabric. A DSSC that is all-textile, with an efficiency rating similar or better than that of a glass DSSC, has yet to be developed. The challenges in the fabrication of TDSSC will be reviewed. The purpose of this chapter is to review and compare various conductive coating methods reported in a TDSSC; additionally, various plant-based dyes used for that purpose will also be reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, 78041, USA

    P. Salinas, D. Ganta, J. Figueroa & M. Cabrera

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  1. P. Salinas
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  2. D. Ganta
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  3. J. Figueroa
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  4. M. Cabrera
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Correspondence to P. Salinas .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Ropar, Punjab, India

    Himanshu Tyagi

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

    Prodyut R. Chakraborty

  3. School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India

    Satvasheel Powar

  4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Avinash K. Agarwal

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Salinas, P., Ganta, D., Figueroa, J., Cabrera, M. (2021). Textile-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Fabrication, Characterization, and Challenges. In: Tyagi, H., Chakraborty, P.R., Powar, S., Agarwal, A.K. (eds) New Research Directions in Solar Energy Technologies. Energy, Environment, and Sustainability. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0594-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0594-9_5

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