Experiment 5 Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Experiment 5 - Lab Report Example The solar cells are not only cheap, but they are also safe for the environmental use because they do not result in pollution. In electrolyzing water using solar energy, dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells are used. The sensitizer absorbs light that excites the chromophore leading to the production of electrons that undergo a series of processes within the cell to produce electric current for electrolyzing water. It is hypothesized that dyes or quantum dots can be used to sensitize the semiconductor oxide films of a solar cell to generate electricity (Gratzel 6841). Thus, this experiment aims to construct a dye-sensitized solar cell and to measure its current and voltage as well as using the cell to convert light into electricity for electrolysis of water. The materials required for this experiment included a multimeter for measuring resistance, a candle flame for producing carbon powder, and a piece of wire for connecting glass layers. Two pieces of glass and a piece of tissue paper are also required. The chemicals included ethanol for removing dirt on the surfaces of the glass, anthocyanin dye, titanium dioxide paste, potassium triiodide (KI3) electrolyte. In addition, a lab coat, goggles, and tongs were required for safety reasons. We assembled the cell in the first lab session and determined the current and voltage. During this process, we identified the conducting side of a tin-oxide piece of glass by a multimeter and wiped off the surface with an ethanol-moistened tissue to remove dirt. We then added a small amount of titanium dioxide paste and heated the glass on a hot plate in a hood for 20 minutes until it turned green. On cooling to room temperature, we introduced anthocyanin dye. We coated the second piece of tin oxide glass with carbon powder by passing it through a candle flame. After which, we assembled the two glasses by putting the coated sides together