Programm Photovoltaik Ausgabe 2008 ... - Bundesamt für Energie BFE

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SP4 – Process Analysis
As a possible NAPOLYDE small area
demonstrator, the “monolithic” dye sensitized
solar cell module was developed and its
fabrication processes are investigated for
possible industrialization.
The monolithic module production is based on all
screen-printed layers deposited on laser structured
FTO glass. First a layer of nano-TiO2 is
printed, followed by a spacer layer acting as insulator,
finally a carbon layer is printed that carries
the current from cell to the next one, allowing the
voltage increase in the module.
10 x 10 cm sized monolithic module, having an
active area of 62 cm 2 .
Close-up view of the monolithic dye solar cell
module before dye impregnation
After the firing steps, the module is impregnated
with ruthenium dye by immersion in a dye bath
for 12 hours. The dye preferably adsorbs on the
high surface area nanocristalline TiO2 layer.
Selaing of the module is achieved by lamination
of a hot-melt foil covering the back side (carbon
electrode). Filling with electrolyte is done through
small holes in the back seal, these hole being
melted off once electrolyte filling is completed.
Printed silver lines on the sides allow for efficient
current collection.
So far, the 10 x 10 cm sized module with 11 serially
connected cells gave an efficiency of 5.6 %
on the active area when lit with simulated
sunlight at 1000 W/m 2 .
The process parameters mapping of the monolithic module manufacturing gave a total of 19 steps and
a sum of 62 parameters that can be controlled.
Additionally, more parameters are built into the raw materials such as the various pastes to be printed
(metal oxide type, particle size, vehicle solvent, concentrations, etc), the ruthenium dye and the
electrolyte formulation.
National and international collaboration
From the nature of this project, most of the partners are international, such as ELCERAM in the
Tchech Republic, SIEMENS & KONARKA in Germany, SOPRA & St-Gobain in France, BAR-ILAN
University in Israel.
A possible commercial product from NAPOLYDE could be the improved humidity sensor developed by
ELCERAM, which contains an active layer, made of nano-TiO2 from SOLARONIX.
National cooperation is done with the CSEM in Neuchâtel and with the national CCEM-CH program
“thinPV” led by Frank Nüesch at the EMPA in Dübendorf.
The Eureka program E!3795 DSSC with OrionSolar (Israel) is ongoing – this program looks at certain
aspects of the monolithic dye solar cell manufacturing.
NAPOLYDE, T. Meyer, Solaronix
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