Characterization of PAN-TiO2 Nanofiber Mats and their Application as Front Electrodes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Marius Dotter; Lion Lukas Placke; Jan Lukas Storck; Uwe Güth

doi:10.14502/tekstilec.65.2022081

Authors

Marius Dotter Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8398-1809
Lion Lukas Placke Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany Author
Jan Lukas Storck Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany Author
Uwe Güth Department of Physical and Biophysical Chemistry (PC III), Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14502/tekstilec.65.2022081

Keywords:

dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), long-term stability, electrospinning, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

In the context of the energy transition to renewables, the spotlight is on large systems connected to the power grid, but this also offers room for smaller, more specialized applications. Photovoltaics, in particular, offer the possibility of the self-sufficient supply of smaller electrical appliances on smaller scales. The idea of making previously unused surfaces usable is by no means new, and textiles such as backpacks, tent tarpaulins and other covers are particularly suitable for this purpose. In order to create a non-toxic and easily recyclable product, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), which can be manufactured through electrospinning with a textile feel, are an attractive option here. Therefore, this paper investigates a needle electrospun nanofiber mat, whose spin solution contains polyacrylonitrile (PAN) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as well es TiO₂ nanoparticles. In addition to characterization, the nanofiber mat was dyed in a solution containing anthocyanins to later serve as a front electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell. Although of lower efficiency, the DSSC provides stable results over two months of measurement.

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