Solid State Photoelectrochemical Solar Energy Conversion
Based on Poly(3-hexylthiophene) and an Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolyte

ABSTRACT

Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources for our future energy needs. Energy from the sun is not only available in plentiful supply, but also introduces no direct contamination of the environment. As a result considerable research work has been aimed at harnessing solar energy.

During the last two decades, conjugated polymers have received increasing attention because of the possibilities of doping chemically or electrochemically to control their electrical conductivity over the entire range from insulator through metal. The undoped/reduced state of the polymer displays insulating or semiconductor-like characteristics. Furthermore, they have advantages that make them possible alternatives to conventional inorganic semiconductors such as: low cost, light weight, processability, ease of fabrication, the possibility of large area coatings, and the possibility to design the materials through molecular engineering.

Here we present studies made on the photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion based on poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, and an ion conducting polymer electrolyte, amorphous polyethylene oxide, POMOE, complexed with I3-/I- redox couple. The current-voltage characteristics in the dark and under white light illumination, transient photocurrent and photovoltage studies, photocurrent action spectra for front and back side illuminations and an open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current dependence on light intensity have been studied. An open circuit voltage of 130 mV and a short circuit current of 0.47 ?A cm-2 were obtained at light intensity of 100 mW/cm2. IPCE% of 0.024% for front side illumination (ITO/PEDOT) and IPCE% of 0.003% for backside illumination (ITO/P3HT) were obtained

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