A perspective on using experiment and theory to identify design principles in dye-sensitized solar cells

• Published in: Science and technology of advanced materials Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 599 - 612
• Main Authors: Holliman, Peter J., Kershaw, Christopher, Connell, Arthur, Jones, Eurig W., Hobbs, Robert, Anthony, Rosie, Furnell, Leo, McGettrick, James, Geatches, Dawn, Metz, Sebastian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 31.12.2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: 101 Self-assembly / Self-organized materials; 209 Solar cell / Photovoltaics; 50 Energy Materials; computer modelling; DSC; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Dyes; Electrolytes; Electrolytic cells; Electron transfer; Focus on Photovoltaic Science, Applications and Technology; half-squaraine dyes; Molten salt electrolytes; Photovoltaic cells; Raw materials; Regeneration; review; Solid electrolytes; Surface engineering; 50 Energy Materials; Surface engineering; DSC; 101 Self-assembly / Self-organized materials; review; half-squaraine dyes; 209 Solar cell / Photovoltaics; computer modelling
• ISSN: 1468-6996; 1878-5514
• DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2018.1492858

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have been the subject of wide-ranging studies for many years because of their potential for large-scale manufacturing using roll-to-roll processing allied to their use of earth abundant raw materials. Two main challenges exist for DSC devices to achieve this goal; uplifting device efficiency from the 12 to 14% currently achieved for laboratory-scale 'hero' cells and replacement of the widely-used liquid electrolytes which can limit device lifetimes. To increase device efficiency requires optimized dye injection and regeneration, most likely from multiple dyes while replacement of liquid electrolytes requires solid charge transporters (most likely hole transport materials - HTMs). While theoretical and experimental work have both been widely applied to different aspects of DSC research, these approaches are most effective when working in tandem. In this context, this perspective paper considers the key parameters which influence electron transfer processes in DSC devices using one or more dye molecules and how modelling and experimental approaches can work together to optimize electron injection and dye regeneration.