Power the Future of Solar Energy with Breakthrough Carbon Nanotube Yarn Technology

Introduction

In the race to harness renewable energy, solar technology stands at the forefront, offering a sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy needs. Yet, even as solar panels become more widespread, the quest for higher efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness continues. Our patented “Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Including Carbon Nanotube Yarns” (Patent #10141119) represents a pivotal leap in solar technology, merging cutting-edge nanotechnology with innovative design to create a solar cell that is not only efficient but also versatile and scalable.

The Challenge

Traditional silicon-based solar cells, while effective, have limitations. They are rigid, relatively expensive to manufacture, and require high purity materials and energy-intensive processes. As the demand for solar energy grows, so does the need for alternative technologies that can overcome these limitations—offering flexibility, lower production costs, and the ability to operate under a broader range of conditions.

The Solution

Our patent introduces dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that incorporate carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns—an innovative approach that redefines what solar cells can achieve. Here’s why licensing this technology can position your company at the cutting edge of solar energy:

Enhanced Efficiency with Nanotechnology: Carbon nanotubes are renowned for their exceptional electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. By weaving these nanotubes into yarns and integrating them into the structure of dye-sensitized solar cells, this technology significantly enhances electron transport and reduces energy losses, leading to higher overall efficiency. This leap in performance can make solar power a more viable and attractive option across a broader range of applications.
Flexibility and Versatility: Unlike rigid silicon-based cells, our DSSCs with CNT yarns are lightweight, flexible, and adaptable. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for solar energy integration—imagine solar cells that can be seamlessly embedded into fabrics, integrated into curved surfaces, or even applied to portable devices. This versatility positions your company to innovate across diverse industries, from wearable tech to architectural design.
Cost-Effective Production: The manufacturing process for dye-sensitized solar cells is less resource-intensive compared to traditional solar cells, and the use of carbon nanotube yarns further reduces the need for expensive and rare materials. This cost-effectiveness allows for broader market penetration, making solar technology more accessible and appealing to consumers and businesses alike.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact: As the world transitions towards greener energy solutions, the environmental impact of manufacturing processes is under increasing scrutiny. Our DSSCs not only provide renewable energy but do so with a smaller carbon footprint. The integration of carbon nanotubes—materials known for their durability and sustainability—ensures that these solar cells are built to last, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.
Market Leadership and Innovation: Licensing this patent positions your company as a leader in the next wave of solar technology. By offering a product that is both technologically advanced and environmentally conscious, you align your brand with innovation and sustainability—key values in today’s market.

The Opportunity

The solar energy market is rapidly expanding, driven by the global push for sustainable energy solutions. By licensing our patented dye-sensitized solar cells with carbon nanotube yarns, you’re not just investing in a product—you’re investing in the future of energy. This technology offers you a unique opportunity to differentiate your brand, lead in innovation, and meet the growing demand for efficient, flexible, and cost-effective solar solutions.

Don’t just follow the solar revolution—lead it. License this technology today and power the future with cutting-edge solar innovation.

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Abstract
Claims

A dye-sensitized solar cell is provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a working electrode which includes a plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a hybrid sensitizer. The hybrid sensitizer includes a nanoporous titanium oxide layer coated on the plurality of twisted carbon nanotube yarns, a microporous titanium oxide layer coated onto the nanoporous titanium oxide layer, and dye particles and quantum dots disposed in the pores of the microporous titanium oxide layer. In addition, the dye-sensitized solar cell includes a conducting electrode which includes at least one carbon nanotube yarn disposed about the hybrid sensitizer. The dye-sensitized solar cell also includes a solid state electrolyte disposed about the hybrid sensitizer.

We claim:

1. A dye-sensitized solar cell, comprising:

a working electrode comprising seven twisted carbon nanotube yarns;

a hybrid sensitizer which comprises:

a nanoporous titanium oxide layer coated on the seven twisted carbon nanotube yarns,

a microporous titanium oxide layer coated onto the nanoporous titanium oxide layer, and

dye particles and quantum dots disposed in the pores of the microporous titanium oxide layer, wherein the dye particles comprise N719 dye, and the quantum dots comprise CdS and CdSe;

a conducting electrode comprising one carbon nanotube yarn disposed about the hybrid sensitizer or three twisted carbon nanotube yarns disposed about the hybrid sensitizer; and

a solid state electrolyte disposed about the hybrid sensitizer.

2. The dye-sensitized solar cell of claim 1, wherein the solid state electrolyte comprises iodide solid electrolyte.

3. The dye-sensitized solar cell of claim 1, wherein the seven twisted carbon nanotube yarns form a braided structure.

4. The dye-sensitized solar cell of claim 1, wherein the dye-sensitized solar cell is in the form of flexible wire.

5. A woven fabric which comprises two or more of the dye-sensitized solar cells of claim 1.

6. A method comprising:

providing the dye-sensitized solar cell of claim 1 incorporated into a structure; and

using the dye-sensitized solar cell to detect a status of the structure,

wherein using the dye-sensitized solar cell comprises triboluminescent-based monitoring of the health of the structure.

7. A method comprising:

providing a photovoltaic cell which comprises the dye-sensitized solar cell of claim 1; and

using the dye-sensitized solar cell to harvest energy.

8. A flexible, wire-shaped dye-sensitized solar cell, comprising:

a working electrode comprising seven twisted carbon nanotube yarns;

a hybrid sensitizer, comprising:

a porous metal oxide layer coated on the seven twisted carbon nanotube yarns, and

dye particles and quantum dots located in or on the porous metal oxide layer, wherein the dye particles comprise N719 dye, and the quantum dots comprise CdS and CdSe;

a conducting electrode comprising one carbon nanotube yarn disposed about the hybrid sensitizer or three twisted carbon nanotube yarns disposed about the hybrid sensitizer; and

a solid state electrolyte disposed about the hybrid sensitizer.

9. The dye-sensitized solar cell of claim 8, wherein the seven twisted carbon nanotube yarns are in a braided structure form.

10. The flexible, wire-shaped dye-sensitized solar cell of claim 8, wherein the solid state electrolyte comprises iodide solid electrolyte.

11. A woven fabric which comprises two or more of the flexible, wire-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells of claim 8.

12. A method of manufacturing a dye-sensitized solar cell, comprising:

twisting seven carbon nanotube yarns to form a working electrode;

coating a layer of nanoporous titanium oxide on the seven twisted carbon nanotube yarns;

coating a layer of microporous titanium oxide onto the nanoporous titanium oxide layer;

positioning dye particles and quantum dots in the pores of the microporous titanium oxide layer,

wherein the quantum dots comprise CdS and CdSe and the dye particles comprise N719 dye;

wherein the layer of nanoporous titanium oxide, the layer of microporous titanium oxide, the dye particles, and the quantum dots collectively form a hybrid sensitizer;

providing a conducting electrode comprising one carbon nanotube yarn disposed about the hybrid sensitizer or three twisted carbon nanotube yarns disposed about the hybrid sensitizer; and

providing a solid state electrolyte about the hybrid sensitizer.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the solid state electrolyte comprises iodide solid electrolyte.

Title

Dye-sensitized solar cells including carbon nanotube yarns

Inventor(s)

Okenwa I. Okoli, Jin Yan, Tarik J. Dickens, M. Jasim Uddin

Assignee(s)

Florida State University Research Foundation Inc

Patent #

10141119

Patent Date

November 27, 2018