Microfluidic sealing and housing system for innovative dye-sensitized solar cell architecture

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have received great attention over the past decade for their high energy conversion efficiency, relatively easy fabrication process and low production cost. However, at present, some practical difficulties such as solvent evaporation, leakage of liquid electrolyte and sealing stability remain serious obstacles to their convenient application. An innovative microfluidic DSSC housing system is here proposed. Sealing performances of such architecture were examined by dynamic fluidic tests and good sealing for pressure up to 50 kPa and temperature of 80 degrees C was obtained, avoiding leakages and bubble formation. Current-voltage and impedance spectroscopy measurements were used to determine the photovoltaic performance of the cell. Results were compared to the ones obtained with DSSC prototypes assembled in our laboratory following a standard procedure, and higher efficiency values have been obtained. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.