Dye-sensitized Solar Cells: Novel Concepts, Materials, and State-of-the-Art Performances

Abstract

Although the workhorse of the photovoltaic industry is still the silicon wafer, accounting for 90% of the market, it was early recognized that other semiconductors could make efficient solar cells. Organic-based photovoltaic technology has demonstrated the ability to cross the 10% efficiency barrier and is expected to eventually present lower costs than silicon-based technology, thus becoming a promising alternative. So, what are the strengths and remaining challenges for the thin-film solar cells industry? This article reviews state-of-the-art thin-film solar cells, focusing on dye-sensitized solar cells, and discusses future trends and possibilities of bringing this technology into the market of photovoltaics.

Keywords:

• Dye-sensitized solar cells
• Efficiency
• Long-term stability
• Photovoltaic technology
• Nanotechnology

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Helena Aguilar Ribeiro acknowledges LEPAE for her research grant. The authors acknowledge H. J. P. Smit and N. J. Bakker at ECN for their invaluable contributions to this work, and thank Dr. Frank Lenzmann and Dr. Paul Pex for reviewing the manuscript.