Applications of light scattering in dye-sensitized solar cells

Light scattering is a method that has been employed in dye-sensitized solar cells for optical absorption enhancement. In conventional dye-sensitized solar cells, large TiO 2 particles with sizes comparable to the wavelength of visible light are used as scatterers by either being mixed into the nanoc...

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Published inPhysical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP Vol. 14; no. 43; pp. 14982 - 14998
Main Authors Zhang, Qifeng, Myers, Daniel, Lan, Jolin, Jenekhe, Samson A, Cao, Guozhong
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 01.01.2012
Subjects
Chemistry
Colloidal state and disperse state
Dyes
Exact sciences and technology
General and physical chemistry
Incident light
Light scattering
Nanocrystals
Nanostructure
Photovoltaic cells
Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena
Solar cells
Surface physical chemistry
Titanium dioxide
Dye-sensitized solar cell
Binary compound
Particle size
Recombination
Dyes
Film
Nanoparticle
Light scattering
Transition element compounds
Nanostructure
Wavelength
Absorption spectrum
Thickness
Chemical reduction
Adsorption
Efficiency
Aggregate
Surface area
Titanium oxide
Optical absorption
Nanocrystal
Photoelectrode
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Summary:Light scattering is a method that has been employed in dye-sensitized solar cells for optical absorption enhancement. In conventional dye-sensitized solar cells, large TiO 2 particles with sizes comparable to the wavelength of visible light are used as scatterers by either being mixed into the nanocrystalline film to generate light scattering or forming a scattering layer on the top of the nanocrystalline film to reflect the incident light, with the aim to extend the traveling distance of incident light within the photoelectrode film. Recently, hierarchical nanostructures, for example nanocrystallite aggregates (among others), have been applied to dye-sensitized solar cells. When used to form a photoelectrode film, these hierarchical nanostructures have demonstrated a dual function: providing large specific surface area; and generating light scattering. Some other merits, such as the capability to enhance electron transport, have been also observed on the hierarchically structured photoelectrode films. Hierarchical nanostructures possessing an architecture that may provide sufficient internal surface area for dye adsorption and meanwhile may generate highly effective light scattering, make them able to create photoelectrode films with optical absorption significantly more efficient than the dispersed nanoparticles used in conventional dye-sensitized solar cells. This allows reduction of the thickness of the photoelectrode film and thus lowering of the charge recombination in dye-sensitized solar cells, making it possible to increase further the efficiency of existing dye-sensitized solar cells. This paper reviews the applications of light scattering in DSCs over the past two decades and some recent progress in this topic.
Bibliography:Guozhong Cao is Boeing-Steiner Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Washington. He received his PhD degree from Eindhoven University of Technology, MS from Shanghai Institute of Ceramics of Chinese Academy of Sciences and BS from East China University of Science and Technology. His current research is focused mainly on chemical processing of nanomaterials for energy related applications including solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage.
2
ZnSnS
4
(CZTS)-based thin film solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells.
Samson A. Jenekhe received his BS degree from Michigan Technological University in 1977 and PhD degree from University of Minnesota in 1985. He is currently Boeing-Martin Professor of Chemical Engineering and Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemical Engineering at University of Washington. His research interests involve: (1) organic electronics and optoelectronics, including thin film transistors, solar cells, and LEDs; (2) self-assembly and nanotechnology, including block copolymers, nanowires, and multicomponent self-assembly; and (3) polymer science, including synthesis, processing, properties, and photonic applications.
Qifeng Zhang earned his PhD degree from Peking University. Currently he is Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at University of Washington. His research interests involve engineering nano-structured materials for applications to electrical devices, including solar cells, UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs), field-effect transistors (FETs), and gas sensors. His current research is focused on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), Cu
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ISSN:1463-9076
1463-9084
DOI:10.1039/c2cp43089d