A review on materials for light scattering in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

A state-of-the-art review highlighting the theory, role and the materials of the scattering layer in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Optimization of hierarchical light-scattering layers in TiO2 photoelectrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

“…The fabrication processes for these DSSCs utilize TiO 2 particulate scattering layers with a particle diameter 6100 nm. The dependence of the Mie scattering efficiency on particle size and incident wavelength indicates that effective lightscattering can only take place when the size of a spherical scatterer is larger than 200 nm in diameter (Vargas and Niklasson, 2001;Deepak et al, 2014). In this size range, light scattering would be observed in the wavelength range from ca.…”

“…In this size range, light scattering would be observed in the wavelength range from ca. 400 to 650 nm (Deepak et al, 2014).…”

Microwave assisted synthesis of high surface area TiO 2 aerogels: A competent photoanode material for quasi-solid dye-sensitized solar cells

“…The open circuit voltages of their DSSCs were reached 1 V with a short circuit current density over 19 mA/cm 2 [13]. Different methods like light scattering, surface plasmon and tandem structures were proposed by researchers to enhance conversion efficiency of DSSCs [14,15]. The power conversion efficiency of DSSC can also be improved by employing high surface area TiO 2 nanostructures as well, which enhances the amount of dye adsorption which in turn increase photon absorption and thereby improves cell performance [16].…”

TiO2 surface nanostructuring for improved dye loading and light scattering in double-layered screen-printed dye-sensitized solar cells

“…After the breakthrough work by O'Regan and Gratzel [1], there has been steadily increasing research on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a sustainable method for converting solar energy to electricity [2][3][4][5][6][7]. A DSSC is based on the photosensitization of a dye absorbed onto a nanocrystalline titania electrode, and there has been much focus on increasing the optical path through this electrode so as to enhance the generation of electrons.…”