Production alternatives to screen printing for dye sensitized solar cells in laboratory settings

Abstract

In this thesis, two methods of creating multi-layer porous films for DSSCs are examined. They have been designed as possible alternatives for screen printing in laboratory settings. The same precursor chemicals used for screen printing are employed in both the alternative methods, which are designated multi-layer doctor-blading and stamping. Both alternatives are simple and inexpensive, costing $0.86 and $0.89 per DSSC, respectively. Multi-layer doctor bladed cells can be made with up to three layers, while stamped cells can be made with up to eight. The cells produced by these two methods are compared to a sample screen printed cell, with mixed results. The multi-layer doctor bladed cells exhibit lower current densities than a screen printed cell, 68.0 A/m2 compared to 68.9 A/m2. The best performing stamped cell demonstrates a higher current density than the screen printed reference, reaching 82.7 A/m2. It also has a slightly higher efficiency. However, the results from the stamped cells are inconsistent. In order for it to truly become an effective method for creating DSSCs in laboratory settings, the source of this variation must be found and standardized.