Carbon Nanomaterials for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Applications: A Bright Future

• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201100136
• Publication Date: 2011-06-09T16:03:59Z
• Authors: Lorcan J. Brennan; Michele T. Byrne; Mazhar Bari; Yurii K. Gun'ko
• Keywords: Nanomaterials; Carbon fibers

Abstract There is an urgent need for alternative energy resources due to the rapid rise in price of fossil fuels and great danger increasing greenhouse effect caused by carbon dioxide emission. Sunlight provides far largest all carbon‐neutral sources. Therefore, current solar‐ or photovoltaic‐cell‐based technologies, which can utilize solar energy, are extreme importance. Dye‐sensitized cells (DSSCs) particular interest because they offer a number advantages when compared existing photovoltaic technologies. In this review, recent advances carbon‐related nanomaterials their application as materials DSSCs discussed. Carbon such nanotubes graphene display remarkable electrical, thermal, mechanical properties that enable several exciting applications DSSCs. The progress on utilisation nanotubes, graphene, nanocomposites reviewed highly prospective replace transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers counter electrodes Moreover, improvement performance absorbing working photoanodes enhancing light absorption electron transport across semiconducting nanostructured film. graphite particles, additives towards improved efficiency electrolyte these also Finally, brief outlook provided future development nanomaterial composites DSSCs, particularly components printable cells, expected play important role solar‐cell market.