Mathematical modelling of electron transport through the anode (TiO2) of a standard dye-sensitized solar cell

Abstract

In this study mathematical model of electron transport through the anode (TiO2) of a standard dye-sensitized solar cell was developed. The modeling led to the generation of a set of differential equations and a linear equation. The linear equation relates the rates of electron emission, α from the sensitized Dye, rate of electron trapping, β by TiO2 and the rate of electron diffusion, γ through the TiO2. The linear equation was transformed such that it could compare the rate of electron trapping, β with the thickness, T of the TiO2. The aim of the research was to determine the parameters of TiO2 that influences its electron trapping. The specific objective was to look at the relationship between the rate of electron trapping by the anode and the thickness of the anode. The set of differential equations were solved jointly using two different methods: the Euler's method and the Runge-Kutta's method. Result showed that the size (thickness) of TiO2 influences its electron trapping rate. And the solution to the system of differential equation showed that the thickness of the TiO2 deteriorate with time. So from the result obtained, the recommendation is that the size of the anode use in the design of Dye-sensitized solar cell should be increased in order to improve the efficiency of the standard dye-sensitized solar cell. By improving electron transmission through the anode, we are invariably improving the efficiency of the solar cell. © 2012 Knowledgia Review, Malaysia.