The Influence of UV Light on Performance of Poly(methyl Methacrylate) in Regard to Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells

Abstract

Low - cost production and simplicity of the process as well as comparable efficiencies make Dye - Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSC) competitive among commercial solar technologies. Excellent transparency and weatherability make the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer a possible substitute of transparent, conductive glass commonly used in Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells. In the presented investigation thin PMMA film was applied. UV-C irradiation in range of 200-280nm was used to accelerate polymer degradation. Combination of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used in order to provide information about photodegradation of the polymer coating as well as durability of PMMA film. AFM allowed evaluation of the photodegradation of PMMA coating and indicated possible local defects. The data gained using EIS technique confirmed that the PMMA deteriorated over a period of 141 hours of irradiation with UV-C.