Exploration on polypropylene carbonate polymer for gel polymer electrolyte preparation and dye-sensitized solar cell application

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with incorporation of polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polymer and different weight percentages of sodium iodide (NaI) salt are prepared. Ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate are used as plasticizers. The maximum ionic conductivity of 2.01 mS cm(-1) is achieved at room temperature. Temperature-dependent ionic conductivity study is performed. The GPEs are studied for structural properties using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The FTIR analysis confirms that complexation between PPC and NaI has occurred. By using GPEs, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are fabricated under the one Sun light intensity. The highest energy conversion efficiency of 6.38% is achieved with incorporation of 60 wt % of NaI. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.