Improving Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Efficiency by Modification of Electrode Surface Charge

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are considered a promising future source of low-cost solar power. At present, however, the most efficient DSSC designs utilize iodide-based electrolytes, which are highly corrosive and absorb strongly in some regions of the visible spectrum. We have been able to generate significant efficiency increases in DSSCs employing a novel sulfide/thiolate redox couple which was developed by Wang et al. via functionalization of their mesoporous substrates with positive charges. At the moment, unfortunately, our control cell efficiencies are approximately an order of magnitude lower than those reported by Wang et al.—something which needs to be fixed before we publish our results. Nevertheless, Wang’s paper currently holds the world record for the highest DSSC efficiency ever reported using a non-iodide-based electrolyte. Thus, if we are able to significantly improve on his efficiency, it will be a major step towards the development of a commercially viable DSSC.