This presentation will summarize recent advances in the design and fabrication of photo-electrode/solution interfaces that facilitate the generation of high photocurrent densities (20 mA/cm2 in some instances) and high photovoltages in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) featuring organic chromophores. Key to advances at Northwestern has been the utilization of atomic-layer deposition (ALD) and related techniques to modify and define interfaces in highly spatially resolved fashion. From ALD-centered studies the competing roles of surface defect states, barrier-layer tunneling, barrier thermal population, and dye-facilitated superexchange in detrmining electron interception dynamics and, therefore, photovoltages have been explored. Representative illustrative results, particularly pertinent to the operation of comparatively high efficiency DSSCs, will be described.

Tailoring interfaces for effecient light-to-electrical energy conversion in dye-sensitized solar cells

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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