Graphite with a single atomic layer known as graphene shows great capability in energy conversion and storage devices. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted intense interests due to offering high photo-to-electric conversion efficiencies. DSSCs are built from a photoelectrode (a dye-sensitized nanocrystalline semiconductor), an electrolyte with redox couples, and a counterelectrode. In this review article, we outline the strategies to enhance the efficiency and reduce the cost by introducing graphene into the DSSCs as the photoelectrode. First, the development of DSSCs and the properties of graphene are briefly described. Then, the applications of graphene-based materials for photoelectrodes (transparent electrode, semiconductor layer, and dye sensitizer) in DSSCs are deeply discussed. Finally, an outlook for graphene materials in DSSCs is provided.

Being confronted with the energy crisis and environmental problems, the exploration of clean and renewable energy materials as well as their devices are urgently demanded. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted widespread attention in recent years as potential cost‐effective alternatives to silicon‐based and thin film solar cells. Two‐dimensional (2D) graphene‐like transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as WS2 and MoS2, have showed vast potential as novel energy materials due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this review, we outline the applications of WS2 and MoS2 as counter electrode materials in DSSCs. First, a brief introduction of structures and basic properties of WS2 and MoS2 are presented. Then, we summarize the exciting progress of these two materials for DSSCs. Finally, the prospect and further developments in these exciting fields of TMDs are also suggested.

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Soy protein isolate (SPI) is used to modify energy storage performances of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The pure PEO membranes are highly polar, but the extremely high energy loss led to very low discharged energy density for use. The addition of SPI in both high molecular weight PEO and low molecular weight PEO lead to greatly reduced polarization and stored energy density. However, it also largely reduces the current leakage and energy loss of the resulting membranes, leading to significantly enhanced discharged energy density. It is believed that the strong interactions between PEO and SPI are responsible for the energy storage properties aforementioned. Meanwhile, such interactions also result in a more brittle fracture behavior and reduced crystallinity of the PEO/SPI membranes. The enhanced discharged energy density and low energy loss suggest PEO/SPI membranes are promising dielectric materials for high efficiency energy storage applications where soluble and transient materials are desired. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45214.