This project investigated the viability of utilizing species other than traditionally employed anthocyanin rich fruit juices as the organic component of hybrid dye-sensitized solar cells. Two organic compounds approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration as UV-light absorbing active ingredients in sunscreens were tested as sensitizers. Both candidate compounds were used as starting materials in separate synthetic functionalizations whose products were also tested as potential sensitizers. Characterization methods included UV, IR & NMR. The resulting voltages and currents generated by these cells were found to be comparable with baseline testing when recorded over time. Topics of future research may include addition of more sensitizer and use of other electrolyte solutions.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Stark, Erika Marie-Meadows
• McCoy, Shaun

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042519-121851

Award

• Provost's MQP Award

Advisor

• Brodeur, Drew R.

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-01-19