Mineral fiber based TiO2 photo-electrode in DSSC

First prototype

The woven photo-electrode

The TiO2 paste 18NR-AO purchased from Greatcell Solar is coated onto the mineral woven fabric provided by Isomatex by doctor-blade method. The fabric is then fired with conventional kitchen electric stove under 400˚C to 440˚C and it's soaked into annatto dyes for 5 hours after cooling down. The final piece appears in golden color after dyeing process is completed. The backside of the fabric is coated with silver paste (A729) by the doctor-blade method and is cured in 200˚C. Finally the fabric is soaked in N719 dye for 5 hours.

The counter-electrode and the electrolyte

A piece of ITO PET film is used as counter-electrode, the conductive side is coated with carbon layer by penile scratching. Few drops of EL-HTE High Temperature Electrolyte purchased from Greatcell solar was added on the surface of the photo-electrode, then the ITO PET film is glued on top of it with TPU film by a heat press machine.