Stability, components, solar energy

Now, consider stability. If a satisfactory initial system or component performance and cost are assumed, then in many cases the critical issue is to maintain the physical behavior of materials adjoining an interface for up to 30 years. The physical behavior may include properties that directly influence solar device performance, such as reflectance, transmittance, absorptance, emittance, and photovoltaic efficiency or solar device performance may be indirectly affected by properties such as adhesion, permeability, photo-oxidative stability, or interdiffusion. The required stability of interfaces in SECS components is counter to basic physics and chemistry, because atoms at interfaces must be more reactive and thermodynamically less stable than when in the bulk of materials (2). Yet, the density of solar energy requires deploying systems with large interfacial... 

The Ught-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs depends on not only the dye s own performance, but also on other components behavior. For the r/l3 redox couple, the I anion is not only important in regenerating the oxidized dye, but also plays a key role for the chemical stability of DSSCs as well as solar energy conversion efficiency [72]. Kusama and co-workers performed density functional theory (DFT) calculation [73] and revealed that I forms not only other interactions, but also hydrogen bonds with dye and heterocycle additives. 

Recent developments in DSSC have turned toward adapting these devices to incorporate a solar energy storage component. Replacement of the liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte or a gel has also been an important area of research activity as are efforts directed to improving the long- term (several years ) stability of the DSSC components. 

DSSCs are among the most extensively investigated devices that provide a high light-to-electric energy conversion yield. The electrolyte is one of key components for dye-sensitized solar cells and its properties have much effect on the conversion efficiency and stability of... 

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