Photovoltaic Properties of ZnO Nanoparticle Based Solid Polymeric Photoelectrochemical Cells

TL;DR

This study investigates the optical and photovoltaic properties of a ZnO nanoparticle-based solid polymeric photoelectrochemical cell, demonstrating its potential for lightweight, portable solar energy applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel solid polymeric PEC cell using ZnO nanoparticles and a solid electrolyte, highlighting its photovoltaic performance under UV and white light.

Findings

Maximum short circuit current of 7 μA/cm² under UV illumination.

Open circuit voltage of 0.24 V under white light.

Device shows potential for portable solar energy conversion.

Abstract

In this work, we report optical and photovoltaic properties of ZnO based solid polymeric photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. In this device construction, film of ZnO nanoparticle (NP) has been sandwiched between ITO and LiClO4-PEO solid electrolyte. ZnO NP has been used as photo-anode and the electrolyte LiClO4 has been dissolved in a solid solution polyethylene oxide that makes the device lightweight and portable. The charge transfer is performed by Li+ and ClO4- ions which serve the purpose of a redox couple in a conventional dye sensitize solar cell (DSSC). Short Circuit Current (JSC) shows maximum when the ZnO/ITO interface has been illuminated by a UV light (350 +/- 15 nm) passing through the transparent ITO glass substrate. JSC and Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) of the best performing device are found to be 7 microA/cm2 and 0.24 V respectively under white light of intensity 15 mW/cm2.