Grätzel Cells

Grätzel Cells

RegenerativePhotoelectrochemical Cells

Characteristics

Like solar cells, Grätzel cells convert sunlight energyinto electric current but they do not store energy. They depend ona non-galvanic chemical action in which the active chemicals areconstantly regenerated.

The cells behave in a way analogous to photosynthesis inwhich chlorophyll molecules reflect green light but absorb lightthe red and blue parts of the spectrum. The absorbed energy issufficient to knock an electron from the excitedchlorophyll.

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To generate the current, the Grätzel cell uses a sensitiserdye and nano particles of the semiconductor Titanium dioxide(TiO₂ ), a cheap and widely available material used as apigment in everything from white paint paints to coffeewhiteners.

Particles of Titanium dioxide TiO₂, coated withthe dye which absorbs a wide range of wavelengths given off bysunlight, are placed between two electrodes in an electrolytesolution containing Iodine ions. UV and visible photons areabsorbed by the TiO₂ / sensitiser combination causing anelectron to be injected into the conduction band of theTiO₂ and the particles to diffuse towards one of theelectrodes. At the same time the Iodine ions pick up electrons fromthe other electrode to regenerate the dye while giving rise to aone way current.

Advantages

Uses low cost materials

Easy to manufacture

Shortcomings

Lower efficiency and power than PV cells

Efficiency 11% to 16%

Power 100 W/ m²

Liquid electrolyte

Does not absorb the full light spectrum

Applications

A low cost alternative to silicon based PVcells

Still in early stages of development

Costs

Inexpensive