Summary

Among the available energy conversion processes, photovoltaic energy conversion is the only process which converts sunlight directly into electricity without any intermediate stage. In addition, photovoltaic cells do not require any cooling system, have no moving parts, require little maintenance and are silent in operations. Among the third generation PV cells, DSSCs are found to be low-cost energy conversion devices with simple fabrication procedures, lightweight and environment friendly operation. However, power conversion efficiencies of these devices are very low compared to conventional electricity generating systems.
The project focuses on improving the photovoltaic performance of dye sensitized solar cells using selected transition metal and non-metal co-doped Ti02 electrode. The scientific advances to be made during this project will be of great assistance to reduce Sri Lanka’s dependence on fossil fuel and hydroelectricity by finding alternative/complementary energy source. Also, Sri Lanka is a perfect place to perform solar cell testing under outdoor condition. Further, findings from this project will be published in the reputed scientific journals and presented at international conferences, which would pave way for us to establish collaborations with other leading international universities and relevant industries.

Objectives

Overall objective:

To optimize the efficiency of DSSCs using selected Transition metals and Nitrogen co-doped TiO2
electrode

Specific objectives:

1. a)  To synthesize and characterize TiO₂nanomaterials doped with Ru, Ni and other selected Transition metals
2. b)  To synthesize and characterize Transition metal and N co-doped TiO₂nanomaterials
3. c)  To determine the performance of devices fabricated with synthesized nanomaterials

Major Equipment Facilitated by Grant