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An in-depth review on the role of carbon nanostructures in dye-sensitized solar cells

Publication Type : Journal Article

Thematic Areas : Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine

Publisher : Journal of Materials Chemistry A

Source : Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry, Volume 3, Number 35, p.17914-17938 (2015)

Url : http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84940033078&partnerID=40&md5=8cfcf434e9148025112d62c7adf26592

Keywords : Amorphous silicon, Carbon Nanostructures, Catalyst activity, Counter electrodes, Dye-sensitized solar cells, Electrical conductivity, Electrodes, Electron collections, electron transport, Electron transport properties, Electrons, Metals, Nanostructured materials, Nanostructures, Photoexcited electrons, Photovoltaic performance, Platinum, Silicon solar cells, Solar cells, Structural geology, Synthesis strategy

Campus : Kochi

School : Center for Nanosciences

Center : Amrita Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine Move, Nanosciences

Department : Nanosciences

Year : 2015

Abstract : Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are considered to be promising, low-cost alternatives to amorphous silicon solar cells. The major components of a DSC include a metal oxide (usually TiO2), a dye, an electrolyte and a Pt- or carbon-deposited counter electrode. The photoexcited electrons from the dye diffuse through the TiO2 network and reach the counter electrode through an external circuit. However due to the trap-limited diffusion process, the electron collection efficiency is affected. Thus, for a hassle-free transport of electrons there is a need for additional electron transport channels. Further in order to reduce the overall cost of the device there is also a need for cheaper alternative counter electrodes in place of Pt. The 15th most abundant element in the earth's crust, carbon and its allotropes with their outstanding catalytic activity and electrical conductivity prove to be promising materials to overcome all these shortcomings and demerits. The review presented below summarizes the up-to-date research efforts on the role of carbon nanostructures in DSSCs, the various synthesis strategies adopted for their preparation and their photovoltaic performance. The review also includes a brief discussion about the role of carbon nanostructures in non-planar flexible wire-shaped DSSCs. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015.

Cite this Research Publication : M. Janani, Srikrishnarka, P., Shantikumar V Nair, and A. S. Nair, “An in-depth review on the role of carbon nanostructures in dye-sensitized solar cells”, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 3, pp. 17914-17938, 2015.

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