| A novel form of a dye-sensitized solar cell was investigated with in situ photopolymerization of aniline. Tris(4-carboxyphenyl)mono(4-aminophenyl) porphyrin (TC3APP) was successfully synthesized and used as a sensitizer. Nanoparticulate TiO2 electrodes were prepared from 25 nm size TiO 2 particles (P25); in addition, commercial TiO2 electrodes from Solaronix and INAP were used. Electrochemically polymerized polyaniline films were used as a counterelectrode. Aniline gel as an electrolyte solution was composed of (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA), lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and aniline as solvent.; Morphology study of TiO2 electrodes and electropolymerized polyaniline films proceeded with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that TiO2 electrodes have a highly porous and well connected structure and polyaniline film is composed of a waxy surface and bush-like structure. The conductive emeraldine salt form of polyaniline was confirmed with UV absorption spectroscopy.; Adsorption study of TC3APP on TiO2 electrode suggested that most of the adsorption proceeded in 6 hours after the immersion of TiO 2 electrode in TC3APP solution. Greater amounts of TC 3APP were adsorbed on TiO2 electrode in the presence of deoxycholic acid as coadsorber.; Photopolymerization proceeded in a sandwiched solar cell with TC 3APP-adsorbed TiO2 electrode and polyaniline counterelectrode including aniline gel. Photocurrent was observed with zero bias voltage. Photocurrent as a function of time was composed of two stages: (1) photoelectropolymerization of polyaniline and (2) conduction of photoelectrons as in a typical solar cell. The current-voltage measurement produced Voc = 0.6 V, J sc = 0.23 mA/cm2, FF = 0.78, and eta = 0.74% under 14.6 mW/cm2 of light intensity.; Spectral study and action spectrum confirm that TC3APP is responsible for the photocurrent upon absorption of visible light, and some absorption by polyaniline film beyond 650 nm also participates in the generation of photocurrent. Each component of the solar cell plays an important role to complete this solar cell system. |
