Sensitizer molecular structure-device efficiency relationship in dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

In the Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) the dye sensitizer carries out the light harvesting function and is therefore crucial in determining overall cell efficiency. In addition, the dye sensitizer can influence many of the key electron transfer processes occurring at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface which also determine efficiency. Dye structure can influence and drive forward electron injection into the conduction band of the TiO2. Conversely, dye structure can help retard loss electron transfer processes such as charge recombination of injected electrons in the TiO2 with dye cations and also recombination of these electrons with the electrolyte. Therefore tuning dye sensitizer light absorbing properties and control of the aforementioned electron transfer processes through structural design of the dye sensitizer is an important avenue through which optimization of DSSC efficiency should be pursued. In this critical review the latest work focusing on the design of dyes for efficient DSSCs is revised (111 references).