Status of Dye Solar Cell Technology as a Guideline for Further Research

Abstract

Recently, the first commercial dye solar cell (DSC) products based on the mesoscopic principle were successfully launched. Introduction to the market has been accompanied by a strong increase in patent applications in the field during the last four years, which is a good indication of further commercialization activity. Materials and cell concepts have been developed to such extent that easy uptake by industrial manufacturers is possible. The critical phase for broad market acceptance has therefore been reached, which implies focusing on standardization-related research topics. In parallel the number of scientific publications on DSC is growing further (>3500 since 2012), and the range of new or renewed fundamental topics is broadening. A recent example is the introduction of the perovskite mesoscopic cell, for which an efficiency of 14.1% has been certified. Thus, a growing divergence between market introduction and research could be the consequence. Herein, an attempt is made to show that such an unwanted divergence can be prevented, for example, by developing suitable reference-type cell and module concepts as well as manufacturing routes. An in situ cell manufacturing concept that can be applied to mesoscopic-based solar cells in a broader sense is proposed. As a guideline for future module concepts, recent results for large-area, glass-frit-sealed DSC modules from efficiency studies (6.6% active-area efficiency) and outdoor analysis are discussed. Electroluminescence measurements are introduced as a quality tool. Another important point that is addressed is sustainability, which affects both market introduction and the direction of fundamental research.

Characterization of photovoltaic devices for indoor light harvesting and customization of flexible dye solar cells to deliver superior efficiency under artificial lighting

“…The technology of dye solar cells (DSCs) has attracted strong industrial interest [26,27] and even products have been launched. Flexible dye solar cells (DSCs) [25], in particular, being light weight and easy-to-tailor in shape and dimensions, represent not only a possible way to harvest more of the sunlight's energy over the device's footprint by increasing its capture area when used curved [21], but also an efficient and appealing technology for energy harvesting even from artificial light in buildings, delivering noteworthy power densities to feed a wide variety of sensors and devices [28].…”

The Effect of Electrolyte Purification on the Performance and Long-Term Stability of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Electrolyte bleaching has been connected to UV exposure 24,44,15,45,46 and suggested to be caused by oxidative species generated under the illumination. 15,1,47,48 The illumination spectrum of the light soaking lamps is shown in S.I. Fig.…”

“…From the industrial point of view, material purification increases the production costs of the cells. Thus the necessity of material purification should be studied carefully, 1,15 just like any step that increases the complexity of the production. The objective of this study is to investigate if cell efficiency and stability increase as a result of the purification of the electrolyte material.…”

“…The structure of DSSCs is quite complicated and unfortunately the components tend to age when the DSSC is exposed long-term to light, humidity, and extreme temperatures. 3,1,4,5,6,7,8 Material purification has been proposed to increase the stability of the cells.…”

“…The structure of DSSCs is quite complicated and unfortunately the components tend to age when the DSSC is exposed long-term to light, humidity, and extreme temperatures. 3,1,4,5,6,7,8 Material purification has been proposed to increase the stability of the cells. [9][10][11][12] The use of highly pure materials is also regarded as an essential step in the preparation of most efficient cells.…”