The renaissance of dye-sensitized solar cells

Journal article

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.

Authors: Hardin, B; Snaith, H; McGehee, MD

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: NATURE PHOTONICS
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 162-169
• Publication date: 2012-03-01
• DOI: 10.1038/NPHOTON.2012.22
• EISSN: 1749-4893
• ISSN: 1749-4885
• Language: English