Painted steel mounted dye sensitised solar cells: titanium metallisation using magnetron sputtering

Abstract

Dye sensitised solar cells (DSCs) have been assembled directly onto a prepainted construction steel substrate. This has been achieved by chemically isolating the underlying substrate through the application of a high temperature resistant organic polymer rendered conducting by applying a 1·2 μm collection electrode of magnetron sputtered titanium. The resultant DSCs achieved 2·9% energy conversion efficiency under one sun illumination compared to 3·2% for identical cells manufactured on 1 mm thick Ti coupons. The slight reduction in efficiency reflects the increasing resistance of the substrate 1·2 μm Ti layer, which results from microcracking during the titania sintering step.

Keywords:

• Dye sensitised solar cell
• Painted steel
• Magnetron sputtering
• Titanium
• Organically coated steel
• Dye‐sensitized solar cell

The authors would like to acknowledge financial support from the Engineering Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC EP/E035205) and Corus Colors, PV Accelerator, Shotton Works, Deeside. Discussions with Dr Brian O’Regan at Imperial College London on cell building methodologies and with Dr Zak Barrett on the operation and use of the Kurt J. Lesker PVD 75 were invaluable.