The project led by Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Tuyết Phương focused on enhancing dye-sensitised solar cells by developing new electrode surface modification methods and optimizing electrolyte solutions. The research resulted in improved efficiency and long-term stability, contributing to the advancement of next-generation solar technology.

On 4th March, at the University of Science, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), the VNUHCM Scientific and Technological Project Evaluation Council held a meeting to assess the project titled “Development of Electrode Surface Modification Methods and Electrolyte Solutions for Next-Generation Solar Cells (Phase 2).” The project was led by Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Tuyết Phương (project Leader), Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science at HCMUS, along with her research team.

The primary objectives of the research were to apply electrode surface modification methods to dye-sensitised solar cells (DSCs) and to evaluate electron exchange processes. The project also aimed to develop a new Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) system and optimise the electrolyte solution using the DES electrolyte system for DSCs. Additionally, the research sought to assess the interaction between the DES and the TiO₂ electrode surface, as well as its impact on the durability of the DSCs.

Research Methods and Findings

To achieve these aims, the research team investigated various conditions to optimise the surface modification process of FTO|TiO₂ anode electrodes through the photoreduction of graphene oxide under UV irradiation. The electrodes were analysed using several methods, including XRD, FTIR, XPS, PL, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy, to improve the efficiency of the DSCs. The surface modification of cathode electrodes with quinone (AQZ) for DSCs was also evaluated. Furthermore, the synthesis conditions for the DES electrolyte system, which included EMII – I₂ – urea in varying ratios, were explored. The interaction between the DES and TiO₂ electrode surfaces was evaluated using XPS and EIS spectra, and the DES electrolyte system was optimised for effective application in DSCs.

The research yielded several significant findings. A surface modification method was developed for both the FTO|TiO₂ anode electrode with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and the Pt cathode electrode with a quinone mixture, which helped improve the efficiency of the DSCs. Additionally, a new DES electrolyte system was developed, enhancing ion conductivity and current density while enabling the stable operation of DSCs for up to 1,000 hours.

Publications, Contributions, and Future Prospects

The research results were published in prestigious scientific journals, including two Q1 papers (Top 20), one Q4 paper, and one patent, which had received an acceptance decision. The project also made significant contributions to human resource development, with three graduate students completing their master’s theses and four students successfully defending their final-year theses.

The VNUHCM Scientific and Technological Project Evaluation Council highly appreciated the project’s contributions, rating it as “Excellent.” This recognition laid a solid foundation for continued research and the application of advanced technologies in the development of next-generation solar cells, further contributing to the enhancement of renewable energy use in Viet Nam.

Minh Tâm _ Translated by ℙ𝕄ℕ