Dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

To provide a small-size dye-sensitized solar cell.SOLUTION: A dye-sensitized solar cell includes an electrode formed on a first substrate, an electron transport layer formed on the electrode, a light absorption layer formed on the electron transport layer and containing an electron collector and a dye, a counter electrode formed on a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate, a catalyst layer formed on the counter electrode, and an electrolytic solution filled between the light absorption layer and the catalyst layer, and the electrode and at least one of the electron transport layer and the counter electrode and the catalyst layer are formed in the same pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to dye-sensitized solar cells. [Background technology]

[0002] Solar cells are expected to be used as power sources and energy harvesting elements for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Solar cells are broadly classified into silicon-based solar cells, compound-based solar cells, and organic-based solar cells. Among organic-based solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are well known. Dye-sensitized solar cells generate electricity through a redox reaction using a dye to absorb light and an electrolyte. The electrolytes used in dye-sensitized solar cells include solid-type electrolytes and liquid-type electrolytes. In recent years, there has been a demand for miniaturization of dye-sensitized solar cells. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Ryosuke Yamanaka, "Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells," Sharp Technical Report, Sharp Corporation, February 2010, Vol. 100, pp. 32-35. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] This disclosure aims to provide a small dye-sensitized solar cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of a dye-sensitized solar cell is formed on a first substrate Transparent conductive oxide film Electrodes and formed on the electrodes metal oxide filmThe device comprises an electron transport layer, a light-absorbing layer formed on the electron transport layer and containing an electron-collecting agent and a dye, a counter electrode formed on a second substrate positioned opposite the first substrate, a catalyst layer formed on the counter electrode, and an electrolyte filled between the light-absorbing layer and the catalyst layer. At least one of the electrode and the electron transport layer, and the counter electrode and the catalyst layer, are formed in the same pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, a small dye-sensitized solar cell can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the power generation principle in a single unit. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows the manufacturing process of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows the manufacturing process of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows the manufacturing process of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D shows the manufacturing process of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3E] Figure 3E shows the manufacturing process of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3F] Figure 3F shows the manufacturing process of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3G] Figure 3G shows the manufacturing process of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to a modification of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to a modification of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the first embodiment. The dye-sensitized solar cell 1 according to the first embodiment is a dye-sensitized solar cell module in which a plurality of units U1, U2, U3, and U4 of dye-sensitized solar cells are connected in series. In FIG. 1, the number of units is four. The number of units is not limited to four.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the units U1, U2, U3, and U4 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 is formed between a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12. The first substrate 11 is a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate. The second substrate 12 is arranged to face the first substrate 11. The second substrate 12 is a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate, similar to the first substrate 11.

[0010] Electrodes 13 are formed at the location of each unit on the first substrate 11. The spacing between the electrodes 13 is such that there is no influence from, for example, leakage current between adjacent electrodes. The electrodes 13 are formed from a transparent conductive oxide film (TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). Each electrode 13 is used as the anode electrode of the corresponding unit. In addition, the electrode 13 formed on one of the end units U1 and U4 in the dye-sensitized solar cell 1, unit U4 in Figure 1, is led out to the outside of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1. A terminal 131 is formed on the led-out electrode 13. Wiring is led out from terminal 131. This wiring is connected to one end of a load (not shown).

[0011] Counter electrodes 14 are formed at the location of each unit on the second substrate 12. The spacing between the counter electrodes 14 is such that there is no influence from, for example, leakage current between adjacent electrodes. The counter electrodes 14 are formed from a transparent conductive oxide film (TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), similar to the electrodes 13. Each counter electrode 14 is used as the cathode electrode of the corresponding unit. In addition, the counter electrode 14 formed on the other unit of the end units U1 and U4 in the dye-sensitized solar cell 1, unit U1 in Figure 1, is led out to the outside of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1. A terminal 141 is formed on the led-out counter electrode 14. Wiring is led out from terminal 141. This wiring is connected to the other end of a load (not shown).

[0012] An electron transport layer 15 is formed on the electrode 13 that constitutes the anode electrode of each unit. The electron transport layer 15 is made of titanium oxide (TiO xIt is composed of a metal oxide film. The electron transport layer 15 may be provided to suppress losses due to the electrode 13, which is composed of TCO, which has higher resistance than metal. Furthermore, the formation of the electron transport layer 15 improves the adhesion of the light absorption layer 16 that is further formed on the electron transport layer 15. In this embodiment, the main surfaces of the electrode 13 and the electron transport layer 15, i.e., the surfaces with the largest area, are patterned to the same size and shape. In other words, the electron transport layer 15 is formed integrally with the electrode 13 so as to cover the electrode 13. Furthermore, since the electrode 13 and the electron transport layer 15 are formed integrally, the electron transport layer 15 in unit U4 is also brought out to the outside of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1, just like the electrode 13 in unit U4. It is desirable that the electron transport layer 15 be formed thinner than the electrode 13, for example, thicker than 0 nm and thinner than 10 nm.

[0013] A light-absorbing layer 16 is formed on each electron transport layer 15. The light-absorbing layer 16 is a layer formed by adsorbing a dye onto an electron-catching agent. The electron-catching agent is, for example, a fine oxide semiconductor, such as an aggregate of titanium dioxide (TiO2). The dye is, for example, a ruthenium (Ru) dye (RU) (such as N719 dye). The electron-catching agent is not limited to titanium dioxide, but may also be, for example, zinc oxide, tin oxide, tungsten oxide, niobium oxide, indium oxide, or composites thereof. Furthermore, the dye is not limited to N719 dye. For example, as a ruthenium-based dye, N3 dye, BlackDye, etc., or as a pure organic dye, D149, xanthene, PVK, merocyanine, oxazine, etc. may be used.

[0014] A catalyst layer 17 is formed on the counter electrode 14 that constitutes the cathode electrode of each unit. The catalyst layer 17 is, for example, a platinum layer. In this embodiment, the main surfaces, i.e., the surfaces with the largest area, of both the counter electrode 14 and the catalyst layer 17 are patterned to the same size and shape. In other words, the catalyst layer 17 is formed integrally with the counter electrode 14 so as to cover it. Furthermore, since the counter electrode 14 and the catalyst layer 17 are formed integrally, the catalyst layer 17 in unit U1 is also brought out to the outside of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1, just like the counter electrode 14 in unit U1. It is desirable that the catalyst layer 17 be formed thinner than the counter electrode 14, for example, thicker than 0 nm and thinner than 10 nm.

[0015] An electrolyte 18 is filled between the light-absorbing layer 16 and the catalyst layer 17 of each unit. As the solvent for the electrolyte 18, for example, acetonitrile, methoxyacetonitrile, ethylene carbonate, etc., can be used. As the solute for the electrolyte 18, for example, iodine (I2), 1,2-dimethyl-3-n-propylimidazolium iodide (DMPImI), lithium iodide (LiI), 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP), etc., can be used. As shown in Figure 1, the electrolyte 18 is partitioned by upper and lower conductive sealing materials 19 provided at the boundary positions between each unit U1 and unit U2, between unit U2 and unit U3, and between unit U3 and unit U4. The upper and lower conductive sealing materials 19 are constructed by incorporating a conductive agent containing metal particles into a resin with excellent solvent resistance, such as an olefin resin. The upper and lower conductive sealing material 19 bonds the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 together and is provided between opposing electrodes to create electrical conductivity between the units. Specifically, the upper and lower conductive sealing material 19 provided at the boundary between unit U1 and unit U2 creates electrical conductivity between the electrode 13 of unit U1 and the opposing electrode 14 of unit U2. The upper and lower conductive sealing material 19 provided at the boundary between unit U2 and unit U3 creates electrical conductivity between the electrode 13 of unit U2 and the opposing electrode 14 of unit U3 via the electron transport layer 15 and the catalyst layer 17. The upper and lower conductive sealing material 19 provided at the boundary between unit U3 and unit U4 creates electrical conductivity between the electrode 13 of unit U3 and the opposing electrode 14 of unit U4. As a result, units U1, U2, U3, and U4 are connected in series.

[0016] Furthermore, an external encapsulant 20 is formed between the electron transport layer 15 and the catalyst layer 17 at the outermost periphery of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1. The external encapsulant 20 bonds the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 together and prevents the electrolyte 18 from leaking out. In other words, the electrolyte 18 is sealed by the first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the upper and lower conductive encapsulant 19, and the external encapsulant 20. The external encapsulant 20 is, for example, a resin.

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the power generation principle in one unit. Here, Figure 2 shows unit U4. However, units U1, U2, and U3 also generate electricity according to the same power generation principle. Also, in the following example, the electron collector is titanium oxide (TiO2), the dye is ruthenium (Ru) dye, and the electrolyte 18 is an iodine (I) electrolyte.

[0018] First, when light is incident on the dye-sensitized solar cell 1, the light is absorbed by the dye 16a formed on the substrate. The dye 16a is excited by absorbing the light. The reaction formula is shown, for example, by the following formula (1). Ru→Ru + +e - (1)

[0019] The electrons (e - ) released from the excited dye 16a are injected into the electron collector 16b composed of, for example, porous titanium oxide (TiO2). The electrons injected into the electron collector 16b move to the electrode 13, which is the anode electrode of unit U4.

[0020] On the other hand, the dye 16a that has lost electrons (e - ) is supplied with electrons from, for example, iodide ions (I - ) in the electrolyte 18. The iodide ions (I - ) in the electrolyte 18 supply electrons (e - ) to the dye 16b and become triiodide ions (I3 - ). The reaction formulas are shown, for example, by the following formulas (2) and (3). ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​At this time, a potential difference is generated between the counter electrode 14 and electrode 13. If a load is connected between the counter electrode 14 and electrode 13, electrons that have moved to electrode 13 will move through the load to the counter electrode 14. Then, the electrons that reach the counter electrode 14 will form triiodide ions (I3). - It is absorbed by ). Through this reduction reaction, triiodide ions (I3) are produced. - ) is an iodide ion (I - Return to (). The reaction equation is shown, for example, in equation (4) below. I3 - +2e - →3I - (4)

[0022] The dye-sensitized solar cell 1 generates electricity through the repeated oxidation-reduction reactions described above. For such oxidation-reduction reactions to occur, the energy level of the excited dye 16a must be higher than the energy level of the electron-collecting agent 16b, and the energy level of the ground-state dye 16a must be lower than the energy level of the electrolyte 18.

[0023] In the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 shown in Figure 1, multiple units are connected in series. In this case, when light is incident on unit U1, electrons are emitted from the dye according to the principle explained with reference to Figure 2. The electrons emitted from the dye are transferred to an electron collecting agent and then move to the anode electrode. Here, electrode 13, which is the anode electrode of unit U1, is connected to the counter electrode 14, which is the cathode electrode of unit U2, via an upper and lower conductive sealing material 19. Therefore, the electrons that have moved to the anode electrode of unit U1 move to the cathode electrode of unit U2. These electrons that have moved to the cathode electrode of unit U2 are used in the reduction reaction in unit U2.

[0024] Similarly, electrons released from the dye during the oxidation reaction in unit U2 move from the anode electrode of unit U2 to the cathode electrode of unit U3. These electrons are then used in the reduction reaction in unit U3. Similarly, electrons released from the dye during the oxidation reaction in unit U3 move from the anode electrode of unit U3 to the cathode electrode of unit U4. These electrons are then used in the reduction reaction in unit U4.

[0025] Furthermore, electrons released from the dye during the oxidation reaction in unit U4 move to the anode electrode of unit U4. The anode electrode of unit U4 is connected to a load. Therefore, the electrons that have moved to the anode electrode of unit U4 move to the cathode electrode of unit U1 via the load. These electrons that have moved to the cathode electrode of unit U1 are then used in the reduction reaction in unit U1.

[0026] The dye-sensitized solar cell 1 generates electricity through repeated oxidation-reduction reactions in each of the units described above. The dye-sensitized solar cell 1 has a higher power generation efficiency than the single unit shown in Figure 2.

[0027] Next, a method for manufacturing the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 of the first embodiment will be described. Figures 3A-3G show the manufacturing process of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 is manufactured by separately forming an anode substrate on which the anode electrode is formed and a cathode substrate on which the cathode electrode is formed, and then bonding the two together.

[0028] First, the manufacturing method of the anode substrate will be explained with reference to Figures 3A-3C. As shown in Figure 3A, a transparent conductive oxide film 13a and an electron transport layer 15a are sequentially deposited on a first substrate 11 such as a glass substrate. The transparent conductive oxide film 13a is, for example, an ITO film. The electron transport layer 15a is, for example, a TiO xIt is a film. The method of depositing the transparent conductive oxide film 13a and the electron transport layer 15a is not limited to a specific method. After the transparent conductive oxide film 13a and the electron transport layer 15a are deposited on the first substrate 11, a mask M is formed on the electron transport layer 15a to match the shape of the electrode 13. Here, as mentioned above, the electrode 13 of unit U4 is pulled out to the outside. For this reason, the mask M for the part of unit U4 is formed larger than the mask M for other parts, taking into account the pulled-out portion.

[0029] Next, the transparent conductive oxide film 13a is etched using an etching solution for the transparent conductive oxide film 13a, in this example, an ITO etching solution. Here, if the electron transport layer 15a is deposited as a thin layer of, for example, 10 nm or less, the electron transport layer 15a can also be etched using the ITO etching solution. In other words, in this embodiment, the electron transport layer 15a and the transparent conductive oxide film 13a can be etched together with the ITO etching solution. Therefore, the etching time can be set as the sum of the etching time for the electron transport layer 15a and the etching time for the transparent conductive oxide film 13a. After the etching of the transparent conductive oxide film 13a is complete, the mask M is removed. As a result, the electrode 13 and the electron transport layer 15 are formed on the first substrate 11, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 3C, a light-absorbing layer 16 is formed on the electron transport layer 15 of each unit. To do this, first, a paste of, for example, TiO2 as an electron collecting agent is deposited on the electron transport layer 15 of each unit by methods such as screen printing and dispensing. Then, the TiO2 paste deposited on the electron transport layer 15 of each unit is fired at a high temperature. Furthermore, a dye is deposited on the fired TiO2. This forms the light-absorbing layer 16. In this way, the anode substrate is manufactured.

[0031] Next, the method for manufacturing the cathode substrate will be described with reference to Figures 3D-3E. As shown in Figure 3D, a transparent conductive oxide film 14a and a catalyst layer 17a are sequentially deposited on a second substrate 12, such as a glass substrate. The transparent conductive oxide film 14a is, for example, an ITO film. The catalyst layer 17a is, for example, a Pt film. The method of depositing the transparent conductive oxide film 14a and the catalyst layer 17a is not limited to a specific method. After the transparent conductive oxide film 14a and the catalyst layer 17a are deposited on the second substrate 12, a mask M is formed on the catalyst layer 17a to match the shape of the counter electrode 14. Here, as mentioned above, the counter electrode 14 of unit U1 is pulled out to the outside. For this reason, the mask M for the part of unit U1 is formed larger than the mask M for other parts, taking into account the pulled-out portion.

[0032] Next, the transparent conductive oxide film 14a is etched using an etching solution for the transparent conductive oxide film 14a, in this example, an ITO etching solution. Here, if the catalyst layer 17a is deposited as a thin layer of, for example, 10 nm or less, the catalyst layer 17a can also be etched using the ITO etching solution. In other words, in this embodiment, the catalyst layer 17a and the transparent conductive oxide film 14a can be etched together with the ITO etching solution. Therefore, the etching time can be set as the sum of the etching time for the catalyst layer 17a and the etching time for the transparent conductive oxide film 14a. After the etching of the transparent conductive oxide film 14a is complete, the mask M is removed. As a result, the counter electrode 14 and the catalyst layer 17 are formed on the second substrate 12, as shown in Figure 3E. In this way, the cathode substrate is manufactured.

[0033] After the anode and cathode substrates are manufactured, they are bonded together via an upper and lower conductive sealing material 19 and an outer sealing material 20, as shown in Figure 3F. As previously mentioned, the upper and lower conductive sealing material 19 is provided between the opposing electrodes 14 and 13 of adjacent units so as to allow conductivity between them via the electron transport layer 15 and the catalyst layer 17. The outer sealing material 20 is provided between the electron transport layer 15 and the catalyst layer 17 at the outermost periphery of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1, bonding the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 together.

[0034] Finally, as shown in Figure 3G, the electrolyte 18 is filled into each unit of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1. The method of filling with the electrolyte 18 is not limited to any particular method. The manufacturing of the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 is completed when the electrolyte 18 is filled into each unit.

[0035] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the electrode 13 and electron transport layer 15 constituting the anode substrate are patterned to the same size and shape. That is, the electron transport layer 15 is formed integrally with the electrode 13 so as to cover the electrode 13. Similarly, the counter electrode 14 and catalyst layer 17 constituting the cathode substrate are patterned to the same size and shape. That is, the catalyst layer 17 is formed integrally with the counter electrode 14 so as to cover the counter electrode 14. As a result, the anode substrate and the cathode substrate can be manufactured by etching each in a single step.

[0036] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a lift-off process is not required for the formation of the electron transport layer 15 and the catalyst layer 17. In the lift-off process, resist residue is likely to be generated. If resist residue is generated, the metal oxide film or platinum that has accumulated on top of the resist may cause a short circuit between adjacent units. Considering the possibility of a short circuit between adjacent units, it is necessary to widen the spacing between units. In this embodiment, since the lift-off process is not required, it is not necessary to widen the spacing between units. As a result, a small dye-sensitized solar cell can be manufactured.

[0037] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the electron transport layer 15 functions as a protective film against the electrolyte 18 for the electrode 13. Similarly, the catalyst layer 17 functions as a protective film against the electrolyte 18 for the counter electrode 14. As a result, corrosion by the electrolyte 18 is less likely to occur on the electrode 13 and the counter electrode 14.

[0038] [Differentiation] A modification of the first embodiment will now be described. In the first embodiment, the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 is configured by connecting four units in series. However, the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 may be configured by using only one unit.

[0039] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, etching is performed by wet etching using, for example, an ITO etching solution. In contrast, etching may be performed by dry etching using, for example, a fluorine (F)-based gas.

[0040] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the electron transport layer 15 is formed only on the main surface of the electrode 13, and the catalyst layer 17 is formed only on the main surface of the counter electrode 14. In contrast, the electron transport layer 15 may also be formed on the side surfaces of the electrode 13, and the catalyst layer 17 may also be formed on the side surfaces of the counter electrode 14. This is expected to further enhance the effect of preventing corrosion of the electrode 13 and the counter electrode 14 by the electrolyte 18.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a dye-sensitized solar cell according to the second embodiment. Here, in Figure 4, components identical to those in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 1, and their explanation is omitted. That is, in Figure 4, the configuration of the anode substrate is the same as in Figure 1. Therefore, the following description will focus on the configuration of the cathode substrate.

[0042] In the second embodiment, a light-shielding counter electrode 21 is formed on the second substrate 12. The counter electrode 21 is a light-reflective metal film, such as a molybdenum (MO)-based metal film or a chromium (Cr)-based metal film, which reflects incident light. For example, the counter electrode 21 acts as a cathode electrode, similar to the counter electrode 14, and also returns light that is incident from the first substrate 11 and not absorbed by the light absorption layer 16 back to the light absorption layer 16. This is expected to improve power generation efficiency.

[0043] Here, the catalyst layer 17 formed on the counter electrode 21 is also patterned to be the same size and shape as the counter electrode 21. In other words, the catalyst layer 17 is formed integrally with the counter electrode 21 so as to cover it.

[0044] The manufacturing method for the dye-sensitized solar cell 1 in the second embodiment is basically carried out in the steps shown in Figures 3A-3G. In the first embodiment, wet etching with an ITO etching solution could be used to etch the counter electrode 14, but in the second embodiment, an ITO etching solution cannot be used. In the second embodiment, dry etching using, for example, a fluorine (F)-based gas is used to etch the counter electrode 21.

[0045] In the second embodiment described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a reflective dye-sensitized solar cell can be manufactured.

[0046] [Differentiation] Modifications of the first and second embodiments will now be described. In the first and second embodiments described above, one terminal is formed on the anode substrate and one on the cathode substrate. In contrast, the terminals may be formed together on either the anode substrate or the cathode substrate. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the opposing electrodes 14 at both ends of the cathode substrate may be extended, and a terminal 141 may be formed on each of the opposing electrodes 14. Similarly, for example, as shown in Figure 5B, the electrodes 13 at both ends of the anode substrate may be extended, and a terminal 131 may be formed on each of the electrodes 13.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 Dye-sensitized solar cell, 11 First substrate, 12 Second substrate, 13 Electrode, 14 Counter electrode, 15 Electron transport layer, 16 Light absorption layer, 16a Dye, 16b Electron collecting agent, 17 Catalyst layer, 18 Electrolyte, 19 Upper and lower conductive sealing material 19, 20 Outer sealing material, 21 Counter electrode.

Claims

1. An electrode made of a transparent conductive oxide film formed on a first substrate, An electron transport layer of a metal oxide film formed on the electrode, A light-absorbing layer formed on the electron transport layer, comprising an electron-collecting agent and a dye, A counter electrode formed on a second substrate which is positioned opposite the first substrate, A catalyst layer formed on the counter electrode, An electrolyte solution is filled between the light-absorbing layer and the catalyst layer, It is equipped with, At least one of the electrode and the electron transport layer, and the counter electrode and the catalyst layer, is formed in the same pattern. Dye-sensitized solar cells.

2. The electrode and the counter electrode are transparent electrodes. The dye-sensitized solar cell according to claim 1.

3. The electrode is a transparent electrode, The counter electrode is an electrode that has light reflectivity. The dye-sensitized solar cell according to claim 1.

4. The electron transport layer is formed thinly relative to the electrode, The catalyst layer is formed thinly with respect to the counter electrode. A dye-sensitized solar cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The electrode and, The electron transport layer and, The aforementioned light-absorbing layer, The opposing electrode and, The catalyst layer and, The aforementioned electrolyte, It has multiple units, each containing The adjacent first and second units among the aforementioned plurality of units are separated by an upper and lower conductive sealing material. The upper and lower conductive sealing material is provided between the catalyst layer of the first unit and the electron transport layer of the second unit, and electrically connects the counter electrode of the first unit and the electrode of the second unit via the catalyst layer of the first unit and the electron transport layer of the second unit. A dye-sensitized solar cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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