The renaissance of dye-sensitized solar cells
Several recent major advances in the design of dyes and electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells have led to record power-conversion efficiencies. Donor-pi-acceptor dyes absorb much more strongly than commonly employed ruthenium-based dyes, thereby allowing most of the visible spectrum to be abso...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2012
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| Summary: | Several recent major advances in the design of dyes and electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells have led to record power-conversion efficiencies. Donor-pi-acceptor dyes absorb much more strongly than commonly employed ruthenium-based dyes, thereby allowing most of the visible spectrum to be absorbed in thinner films. Light-trapping strategies are also improving photon absorption in thin films. New cobalt-based redox couples are making it possible to obtain higher open-circuit voltages, leading to a new record power-conversion efficiency of 12.3%. Solid-state hole conductor materials also have the potential to increase open-circuit voltages and are making dye-sensitized solar cells more manufacturable. Engineering the interface between the titania and the hole transport material is being used to reduce recombination and thus attain higher photocurrents and open-circuit voltages. The combination of these strategies promises to provide much more efficient and stable solar cells, paving the way for large-scale commercialization. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved. |
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