A fiber-shaped solar cell showing a record power conversion efficiency of 10%. Issue 1 (6th December 2017) - Fu, Xuemei
Abstract : Hydrophobic core/hydrophilic sheath fibers have been designed for fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells showing a record power conversion efficiency of 10%. Abstract : Fiber-shaped solar cells have aroused intensive attention both academically and industrially due to their light weight, flexibility, weavability and wearability. However, low power conversion efficiencies have largely limited their applications. Herein, a novel fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cell is discovered to show a record power conversion efficiency of 10.00% that far exceeds all other fiber-shaped solar cells. It is created by the design of new fiber electrodes with a hydrophobic aligned carbon nanotube core that provides both high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength and a hydrophilic aligned carbon nanotube sheath that can effectively incorporate other active phases. The fiber-shaped solar cells show high flexibility and are demonstrated to power a pedometer.