| A 3rd generation of solar cell, the Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSC), or Graetzel cell, has shown much promise in the field of photovoltaics. It is inexpensive, transparent, and flexible and has a regularly increasing photon to electron efficiency. Much research is being done to improve efficiencies, both conversion and cost. Since the DSC contains so many working elements in its physical structure, multiple variables can be examined and improved with the help of our increasing knowledge in the materials sciences. One aspect of research is replacing the costly platinum counter-electrode with carbon materials. New forms of carbon are being researched daily varying from carbon black, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and the recently discovered form of carbon; graphene. Nitrogen doped graphene, Highly Oriented Pyrolitic Graphite (HOPG), and graphite from pencils were utilized in this study to replace the costly platinum. Graphene possesses many properties that will be suitable to improve both the conversion efficiency as well as the dollar per watt ratio for DSCs. |
