Nanosized,dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell

摘要

A sensitized photovoltaic device ( 10 ) provides for a reduction of the charge recombination rate and charge transport time. The device ( 10 ) includes a first electrode ( 12 ) comprising a transparent conducting oxide and a plurality of carbon nanostructures ( 16 ) formed thereon. A first layer ( 18 ) is formed on the carbon nanostructure ( 16 ) and comprises a first conduction band level ( 44 ). A second layer ( 20 ) is formed on the first oxide ( 18 ) and comprises a second conduction band level ( 46 ) higher than the first conduction band level ( 44 ). A sensitizer ( 22 ) is formed on the second layer ( 20 ) and comprises a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level ( 48 ) higher than the second conduction band level ( 46 ). An electrolyte ( 24 ) is positioned over the sensitizer ( 22 ), and a second electrode ( 26 ) comprising a transparent conducting oxide and a layer of catalyst is formed over the electrolyte ( 24 ).