Semiconductor nanoparticle/nanofiber composite electrodes

Abstract

Composite electrode materials for DSSCs, DSSCs incorporating the composite electrode materials and methods for making the composite electrode materials are provided. The composite electrode materials are composed of semiconductor nanofibers embedded in a matrix of semiconductor nanoparticles. DSSCs incorporating the composite electrode materials exhibit both increased carrier transport and improved light harvesting, particularly at wavelengths of 600 nm or greater (e.g., 600 nm to 800 nm or greater).

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates to composite electrode materials comprising wide bandgap semiconductor nanoparticles and wide bandgap semiconductor nanofibers, and to dye-sensitized solar cells incorporating the composite electrode materials. Background of the invention [0002] Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells currently meet less than 0.1% of the world's energy demand, and are expected to meet only about 2% of the world's energy demand at an annual growth rate of 30% in the next 20 years. The limiting factor for its contribution is due to the high cost ($2~$4 / W) of silicon (Si) solar cells due to the need for high-purity silicon and high-temperature manufacturing processes. Almost 90% of the existing PV market is based on silicon cells. Unfortunately, after more than 50 years of development, further breakthroughs in Si PV are unlikely. [0003] Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an alternative to conventional silicon solar cells. A conventional D...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

But unfortunately, based on nanocrystalline TiO 2 The efficiency of nanoparticle DSSCs is influenced by the electron transport rate as well as in nanocrystalline TiO 2 Limitation of low efficiency of light harvesting in membranes

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