Hybrid dye-sensitized solar cells show promise as an alternative energy source. Current research revolves around metal free organic compounds as part of the three component systems. This project investigates effects that active organic sunscreen ingredients could have as sensitizers. The percent decrease in voltage was the same for each compound in varying solvents. Measured cell output was consistent with UV-absorbance. All components stayed relatively steady under UV light up to 48 hours. Synthetic changes on oxybenzone showed improved voltage and stability. Results suggest that these ingredients could be potential replacements for current sensitizers, and that additional synthetic functional changes and solvent optimization could improve cell potential and long term stability.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Quatieri, Sarah Elizabeth
• McGlew, Edwin Nicholas
• Mateo, Ana Stella

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042915-234037

Advisor

• Brodeur, Drew R.

Year

• 2015

Date created

• 2015-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2020-11-19