Polymer-based Engineering for High-efficiency Plastic Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Material engineering for fabrication of flexible dye-sensitized solar cells using plastic film substrates and printable materials are reviewed. Electrochemically active mesoporous layers are prepared both on the working photo-electrode (nanocrystalline TiO₂) and counterelectrode (catalyst) by low-temperature coating of printable pastes containing nano-particles. Polymer conductive materials are successfully used as cathode catalysts loaded on the conterelectrode and as carrier transport-rectifying materials for use in solidification of electrolyte in combination with carbon materials. Performances of plastic solar cells are discussed with respects to the structure of the mesoporous films, light-harvesting functions of dyes, and design of printed counterelectrode. Commercial advantages of the lightweight, flexible cell in power generation are also introduced based on proof-of-concept tests with large-area integrated modules.