Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are considered to be a promising, low-cost alternatives for the amorphous silicon solar cells. The major components of a DSC include a metal oxide (usually TiO2), dye, electrolyte and a Pt-or carbon-deposited counter electrode. The photoexcited electrons from the dyes diffuse through the TiO2 network and reach the counter electrode through an external circuit. However due to the trap-limited diffusion process, the electron collection efficiency is affected. Thus, for a hassale-free transport of electrons there is a need for additional electron transport channels. Further in order to reduce the overall cost of the device there is also a need for cheaper alternative counter electrodes in place of Pt. The 15 th most abundant element in the earth's crust carbon and its allotropes with their outstanding catalytic activity and electrical conductivity proves to be a promising material to overcome all these shortcomings and demerits. Fig. 45.A) Schematic showing the interwined carbon nanotube fiber based fiber shaped DSSC and B) SEM image of the twined structure 181 .
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