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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N00548/01
Title: MODELLING TRANSPORT AND INTERFACIAL INTERACTIONS IN THE GRATZEL SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL
Principal Investigator: Walker, Professor AB
Other Investigators:
Peter, Professor LM Fisher, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Physics
Organisation: University of Bath
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 May 2000 Ends: 30 September 2003 Value (£): 152,803
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation Solar Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics Energy
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Gratzel photovoltaic cells are based on dye-sentised mesopoporous films of Ti02. They are stable cheap alternatives to conventional solar cells, possessing high solar-to-electrical energy conversion efficiencies. Charge generation occurs through photoexcitation of the absorbed dye followed by electron injection into the conduction band of the Ti02 grain. The electrons then travel through the network porous Ti02 to reach the anode. The oxidised dye molecules are regenerated by a electron transfer from iodide ions in the electrolyte. To enhace their efficiency, open circuit voltage and short circuit current we need a predictive model that can determine the dominant factors controlling transport including transport including composition of and transport in the elctrolyte, Ti02 grain size, distribution and concentration, carrier injection/extraction a the electrodes and illumination intensities and profiles. The model will comprise a Monte Carlo simulation based on a multiple trapping model coupled with a finite element model for ion diffusion in the electrolyte.The model will be validated by experimental data on the steady-state and transient photocurrent and photovoltage and intensity modulated photocurrent/phtvoltage spectroscopy.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bath.ac.uk