How to design a better project for dye-sensitized-solar cell

[Nanoo]

Hi Physics friends,

We purchased a dye-sensitized-sloar cell (DSC) kit for $50 which can make 5 sets of cells (10 pieces of glasses).

Hope we can make a good plan so we won't waste the materials.

We are thinking of making the dye from berries and change the concentration, and/or using a pencil to add graphite to the glass substrate. Then we could measure the voltage output.

Does anyone have suggestions what parameters we could vary and control with these five samples only?

Thanks a lot!

 

[AndyW]

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your project with us. It's great to see people exploring and experimenting with renewable energy sources like DSCs.

In terms of varying parameters with your limited number of samples, here are a few suggestions:

1. Dye concentration: As you mentioned, you could vary the concentration of the dye made from berries in each sample. This will affect the amount of light absorbed by the dye and therefore the voltage output.

2. Graphite content: Similarly, you could vary the amount of graphite added to each glass substrate. This will affect the conductivity of the substrate and therefore the efficiency of the DSC.

3. Light intensity: You could also vary the amount of light each sample receives, either by placing them in different locations (e.g. direct sunlight vs. shade) or by using a light source with adjustable intensity. This will affect the amount of energy absorbed by the DSC and therefore the voltage output.

4. Temperature: Another factor to consider is the temperature of the samples. You could try placing them in different environments with varying temperatures and see how it affects their performance.

5. Dye type: Instead of using berry dye, you could try using other natural dyes (e.g. spinach, turmeric, beetroot) or even synthetic dyes to see how they perform in comparison.

I hope these suggestions help. Good luck with your project and please keep us updated on your findings!