Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is an alternative to currently dominant p-n junction type solar cells, due to their economic and environmental advantages.  However, the full potential of DSSCs has not yet been realized.  In this presentation, we will show that the localized surface plasmons of core-shell type nanocomposites can enhance the energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs by increasing light absorption capability.  In contrast to the metal nanoparticles, the dielectric core-metal shell composites offer the ability to tune the optical resonances and optimize the near electromagnetic field response.  We design the structure of the core-shell particles to arouse the coupling of the surface plasmons with visible light.  This coupling is found to increase the absorption and scattering of the light in the photoelectrodes.  In newly designed DSSCs, the role of localized surface plasmons on the light absorption, scattering, and energy conversion efficiency is systematically investigated.

Study on surface plasmons of core-shell type particles for enhanced energy conversion efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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