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Direct Dynamic Evidence of Charge Separation in a Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Obtained under Operando Conditions by Raman Spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Mao Zhu,
Ye Yutong,
Lv Haiming,
Han Xiao Xia,
Park Yeonju,
Zang Libin,
Zhao Bing,
Jung Young Mee
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201915824
Subject(s) - raman spectroscopy , solar cell , dye sensitized solar cell , energy conversion efficiency , photochemistry , resonance raman spectroscopy , spectroscopy , chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , photovoltaic system , materials science , chemical physics , optoelectronics , electrode , optics , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , electrolyte , ecology , biology
Interfaces play an important role in enhancing the energy conversion performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The interface effects have been studied by many techniques, but most of the studies only focused on one part of a DSC, rather than on a complete solar cell. Hence, monitoring the interface evolution of a DSC is still very challenging. Here, in situ/operando resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopic analyses were carried out to monitor the dynamics of the photovoltaic conversion processes in a DSC. We observed the creation of new species (i.e., polyiodide and iodine aggregates) in the photosensitization process. We also obtained molecular‐scale dynamic evidence that the bands from the C=C and C=N bonds of 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy), the S=C=N bonds of the NCS ligand, and photochemical products undergo reasonably strong intensity and frequency changes, which clearly demonstrates that they are involved in charge separation. Furthermore, RR spectroscopy can also be used to quickly evaluate the performance of DSCs.