The renaissance of monolithic dye-sensitized solar cells. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santos, Fátima; Ivanou, Dzmitry; Mendes, Adélio
• Is Part Of: Materials today communications. Volume 32(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: J, Current A·m−2 -- JSC, Short-circuit current A·m−2 -- RCE, Charge-transfer resistance at counter-electrode/electrolyte interface Ω -- REl, Diffusion resistance in the electrolyte Ω -- RS, Series resistance Ω -- Rsh, Shunt resistance Ω -- Tg, Glass-transition temperature K -- V, Voltage V -- VOC, Open-circuit voltage V -- wt, Weight -- ACN Acetonitrile -- AM Air mass -- BIPV Building-integrated photovoltaics -- BMII 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide -- BMIm 1-methyl-3-n-butylimidazolium -- CE Counter-electrode -- DPII 1, 2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazoliumiodide -- DSSC Dye-sensitized solar cell -- EMIOTf Ethylmethylimidazolium triflate -- FF Fill factor -- HOMO Highest occupied molecular orbital -- HTM Hole transport material -- IoT Internet of Things -- IPCE Incident photon to current conversion efficiency -- iPV Indoor photovoltaics -- ITO Indium tin oxide -- LUMO Lowest unoccupied molecular orbital -- M-DSSC Monolithic dye-sensitized solar cell -- MHII 1-methyl-3-hexylimidazolium iodide -- MMP Maximum power point -- NHE Normal hydrogen electrode -- NP Nanoparticles -- OSC Organic solar cell -- PCE Power conversion efficiency -- PE Photoelectrode -- PEDOD Poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxypyrrole) -- PEDOT Poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) -- PIA Photoinduced absorption spectroscopy -- PMII 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide -- PSC Perovskite solar cell -- PV Photovoltaic -- SEM Scanning electron microscopy -- Spiro-OMeTAD 2, 2′, 7, 7′-tetrakis(N, N-di-p-methoxyphenyl-amine)9, 9′ spirobifluorene -- TBP 4-tert-butylpyridine -- TCO Transparent conductive oxide -- UV Ultraviolet -- XRD X-ray diffraction; Monolithic -- Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells -- Spacer layer -- Counter-electrode -- Sensitization -- Redox mediator -- Modules -- Solid-state; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.104030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-4928

Abstract

Abstract: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) present unique features, such as colorfulness, potential transparency, flexibility, and low cost. Still, the main advantage of DSSCs lies in their outstanding performance for indoor applications; this photovoltaic (PV) technology proved to be a sustainable energy source for the low-power electronics needed for the Internet of Things (IoT), with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) above 30 %. DSSCs in monolithic configuration (M-DSSCs) are very promising for both indoor and outdoor applications. Monolithic design implies using only one transparent conductive substrate, offering a significant reduction in material costs. The fabrication of M-DSSCs is compatible with roll-to-roll production, straightforward for creating in-series modules, and is appealing for the emerging efficient solid-state DSSCs devices. However, the downside of M-DSSCs is the poorer power conversion efficiencies compared to their conventional counterparts. This review article reports and discusses the research progress on M-DSSCs, including small laboratory devices and large-area modules; semi-transparent, flexible, and solid-state M-DSSCs are touched upon. Problems associated with the power conversion efficiency and stability of M-DSSCs are discussed, and feasible solutions are suggested to overcome these issues, ultimately targeting to identify a strategy for developing efficient and stable low-cost M-DSSCs, attractive for commercial use. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: The effect of the spacer layer, counter-electrode, redox mediator, and sensitization conditions were addressed. The progress on M-DSSCs modules and solid-state M-DSSCs were considered. Problems associated with the power conversion efficiency and stability of M-DSSCs were discussed. Viable solutions to overcome the weaknesses of M-DSSCs were suggested.