Optimizing dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as an important cheap photovoltaic technology. Charge separation is initiated at the dye, bound at the interface of an inorganic semiconductor and a hole-transport material. Careful design of the dye can minimize loss mechanisms and improve light harvesting. Mass application of DSSCs is currently limited by manufacturing complexity and long-term stability associated with the liquid redox electrolyte used in the most-efficient cells. In this Minireview, dye design is discussed in the context of novel alternatives to the standard liquid electrolyte. Rapid progress is being made in improving the efficiencies of such solid and quasi-solid DSSCs which promises cheap, efficient, and robust photovoltaic systems.