Regenerable photovoltaic devices with a hydrogel-embedded microvascular network

Sci Rep. 2013:3:2357. doi: 10.1038/srep02357.

Abstract

Light-driven degradation of photoactive molecules could be one of the major obstacles to stable long term operation of organic dye-based solar light harvesting devices. One solution to this problem may be mimicking the regeneration functionality of a plant leaf. We report an organic dye photovoltaic system that has been endowed with such microfluidic regeneration functionality. A hydrogel medium with embedded channels allows rapid and uniform supply of photoactive reagents by a convection-diffusion mechanism. A washing-activation cycle enables reliable replacement of the organic component in a dye-sensitized photovoltaic system. Repetitive restoration of photovoltaic performance after intensive device degradation is demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics / instrumentation*
  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Equipment Reuse
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Light
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Microvessels*
  • Plant Leaves*
  • Regeneration
  • Solar Energy*

Substances

  • Hydrogels