Low-Temperature TiO2 Paste for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing titanium dioxide paste for dye sensitized solar cells require high-temperature calcination, which is energy-intensive and involves a separate dye adsorption process, limiting energy conversion efficiency and increasing process complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the dispersion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a solvent with ultrasound, followed by the addition of a titanium dioxide precursor to form a —O—Ti—O— network, allowing for low-temperature curing and potential integration of dye or metal precursors to enhance energy conversion efficiency without separate dye adsorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-temperature calcination is used to prepare TiO2 nanoparticle paste, then the paste can form a porous structure, but the energy consumption increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from conventional high-temperature calcination (400-500°C) to low-temperature curing (80-150°C). This is achieved by modifying the chemical composition of the paste, specifically using a binder containing carboxylic acid groups that reacts with TiO2 nanoparticles to form a stable porous structure at lower temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the required porous structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a binder containing carboxylic acid groups as an intermediary substance that facilitates the formation of porous structure at low temperatures. The binder reacts with TiO2 nanoparticles to form a stable complex that maintains the porous architecture without requiring high-temperature calcination, thus acting as a mediator between the nanoparticles and the desired porous structure
2Manufacturing precision
If high-temperature calcination is used to prepare TiO2 nanoparticle paste, then the paste can form a porous structure, but the process complexity increases due to separate dye adsorption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the paste preparation and dye adsorption processes into a single integrated step. The binder in the paste not only holds the TiO2 nanoparticles together but also serves as a dye adsorption medium, allowing dye to be incorporated during the low-temperature curing process itself, thereby eliminating the need for a separate dye adsorption step and reducing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The binder component is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as an adhesive to hold TiO2 nanoparticles together, serves as a porogen to create and maintain the porous structure, and functions as a dye adsorption medium. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and steps needed in the overall process
3Reliability
If conventional TiO2 paste is used, then the coating can be formed, but the energy conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite paste system consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles, a carboxylic acid-containing binder, and optionally dye molecules. This composite structure enhances energy conversion efficiency by optimizing the interaction between components: the binder ensures uniform distribution and stable attachment of nanoparticles, creates an efficient porous network for light scattering and dye loading, and facilitates charge transport, thereby improving overall solar energy conversion while maintaining reliable coating formation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the formation of a uniform, low-temperature curable titanium dioxide paste that improves energy conversion efficiency and simplifies the process by eliminating the need for separate dye adsorption, while maintaining high adhesivity and porosity.
Implementation Method 1
inducing the hydrolysis of titanium dioxide nanoparticle and titanium dioxide precursor by mixing titanium dioxide precursor, which can act as a binder, to titanium dioxide nanoparticles dispersed in a solvent
Implementation Method 2
dispersing the resultant mixture with ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing titanium dioxide paste for dye sensitized solar cell, and more specifically a method for preparing titanium dioxide paste fir dye sensitized solar cell, which is curable at a low temperature and is able to form a uniform coating layer and exhibits relatively high energy conversion efficiency. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing low temperature curable paste which requires no separate dye adsorption process or can improve energy conversion efficiency by adding dye or metal precursor in advance.