Our unit on Energy consists of one project (2 sessions).
(4) Dye-sensitization solar cells (2 sessions)
You will begin this experiment by extracting coloring agents from blackberries and mounting them atop a porous titanium dioxide electrode to construct a dye-sensitization solar cell. You will then measure the electromotive force of the solar cell you have fabricated and compare it to the electromotive forces available from silicon solar cells, dry-cell batteries, and other power sources to learn about the mechanisms of solar-cell power generation. In the second session, you will acquire a deeper understanding by repeating similar experiments using coloring agents found in various familiar objects of daily life that you will bring to the laboratory. This experiment incorporates many elements of “do-it-yourself” fabrication culture.