“Enhanced Operational Stability of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells in
Redox Flow Desalination for Freshwater Production”
Ramya Muralidaran
Materials Science and Engineering Program, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
Abstract
This study explores enhancements in operational stability and performance metrics for aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells
(DSSCs) integrated with a redox flow desalination (RFD) process. DSSCs offer a cost-effective alternative to silicon-based
solar cells, harnessing photosensitizers to convert sunlight into electricity. The DSSC-RFD system enables freshwater
production from brackish groundwater via sunlight-driven salt separation. However, conventional dyes, such as N719, often
suffer from performance deterioration in aqueous environments. Key factors affecting performance include the solvent type
and concentration of the iodide/triiodide redox electrolyte and the photosensitizer’s active surface area. Power conversion
efficiency was assessed using linear-sweep voltammetry, while desalination current and salt stream conductivities were
monitored with a potentiometer and conductivity probes. Using an indoline dye with high incident photon-to-current
conversion efficiency, we optimized electrolyte conditions, achieving stable performance with a freshwater production rate
of 27 LMH, meeting practical productivity targets. This integration demonstrates a sustainable method for clean water
generation.
Monday, 11/18/2024 at 4:30 pm CAMP 176
Short bio:
Ramya Muralidaran is a Ph.D. student in the Materials Science and Engineering Program at Clarkson University, where she
has conducted research in electrochemical separations under the guidance of Prof. Sitaraman Krishnan and Dr. Taeyoung
Kim. Her research focuses on solar-powered brackish water desalination, aiming to enhance freshwater productivity through
a solar-integrated electrochemical redox flow desalination system. Ramya’s primary goal has been to identify and test water-
stable photosensitizers to optimize current generation and improve overall system performance in the redox process.