Nanostructured Dye Sensitized Solar Cells with Different Counter Electrodes
Fahim Karim,
Ahmed Sikder,
William Ghann,
Kara Green,
Birol Ozturk,
Meser M. Ali,
Jamal Uddin
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2020
Pages:
1-8
Received:
18 March 2020
Accepted:
8 April 2020
Published:
14 May 2020
Abstract: Dye sensitized solar cells are devices that convert visible light into electricity using a dye sensitizer. They are generally low-cost, easy to make and environmentally friendly. Research in this field have mainly been focused on enhancing the performance of the devices through the optimization of its components such as the dye sensitizer and cathode. In this study, the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated with different cathode materials were tested. The experiments were carried out with one synthetic dye (N719) and two natural dyes (Pomegranate and Blueberry fruit dyes). Different cathode materials tested included thermally platinized, graphite-coated, and soot-covered Fluorine doped Tin Oxide (FTO) electrodes. The surface morphology of the different cathode materials was examined using Field Emission Scanning Microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The solar-to-electric energy conversion efficiencies of the devices were determined under full light illumination (100 mWcm-2, AM 1.5 Global), and the electrochemical impedance studies were carried out and compared. The efficiency of the solar cells fabricated with the graphite-based cathode electrode were determined to be higher compared to the other cathode materials used in the study. These impedance characterization results show that electron lifetimes and reaction resistances differ for the same dyes when used with different counter electrodes, providing varying photocurrent efficiencies.
Abstract: Dye sensitized solar cells are devices that convert visible light into electricity using a dye sensitizer. They are generally low-cost, easy to make and environmentally friendly. Research in this field have mainly been focused on enhancing the performance of the devices through the optimization of its components such as the dye sensitizer and catho...
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Determination of Metal Concentration in Air, Soil and Water Samples at Some Selected Flow Stations in Delta State, Nigeria
Valentine Ifenna Onwukeme,
Omonigho Frank Etienajirhevwe
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2020
Pages:
9-15
Received:
6 April 2020
Accepted:
22 April 2020
Published:
27 May 2020
Abstract: This study involves the determination of metal concentration in air, water and soil samples at some selected flow stations in Delta State Nigeria. This is to ascertain the level of pollution of the environment by the companies located in the areas. Soil, air and water samples were collected in triplicate for a period of three months. The metals were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) after digestion and extraction. Results of water analysis showed mean copper in the ranged of 0.14±0.03, 0.03±0.02, 0.35±0.00 and 0.23±0.07 mg/L while zinc ranged from 0.06±0.02, 0.11±0.04, 0.29±0.16 and 2.52±0.97 mg/L for PPL, WRPC, AFS and TPS respectively. Cadmium was 0.06±0.01 and 0.05±0.05 mg/L at WRPC and AFS. Mean concentration of lead in soil ranged from 1.09±0.05, 0.95±0.21, 1.69±0.23 and 0.3±0.06 mg/kg; cadmium ranged from 5.26±0.53, 20.45±1.84, 67.48±11.35 and 0.36±0.15 mg/kg; zinc ranged from 38.26±28.50, 116.41±6.71, 682.33±44.82 and 200.44±20.67 mg/kg while copper ranged from 306.17±6.66, 39.64±8.37, 361.60±30.06 and 163.33±9.55 mg/kg for PPL, AFS, WRPC and TPS respectively. Results of air analysis showed of concentrations of lead to ranged from 0.05 – 0.11 µg/kg, cadmium 0.50 – 1.89 µg/kg, zinc 0.05-1.15 µg/kg and copper 0.17 – 0.55 µg/kg. The results of the analysis found the water to be most polluted followed by the soil while the air was the least. The results obtained from the study found some locations polluted while other slightly polluted. The pollution was therefore attributed to the nature of activities carried out at the various locations. It was therefore recommended that humans should consider the consequences for our actions and work to improve air, water and soil quality for future generation
Abstract: This study involves the determination of metal concentration in air, water and soil samples at some selected flow stations in Delta State Nigeria. This is to ascertain the level of pollution of the environment by the companies located in the areas. Soil, air and water samples were collected in triplicate for a period of three months. The metals wer...
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