DNA and DNA-PEDOT:PSS based membranes

This paper presents the results of the preparation, characterization and application of DNA and DNA-PEDOT:PSS membranes as hole transport material (HTM) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). UV-Vis analysis of the samples revealed 80% transparency at 600 nm for the isolated DNA and decreasing to 62% at 550 nm for the 2% PEDOT:PSS DNA. FTIR analysis of the samples revealed the characteristic peaks of both DNA and PEDOT:PSS, confirming the incorporation of the latter into the membranes. The results of the DSC thermal analysis showed the presence of Tg at -67oC and its disappearance with the addition of PEDOT:PSS to the HTM formulation. The TGA analyses showed that the stability of the samples increased with the addition of PEDOT:PSS, reaching 200 oC. All the samples showed 19% residue at 900 oC.