Dye-sensitized Nano-structured Solar Cells

Self-Assembled Monolayers


In 1991 Grätzel and o’Regan demonstrated the first example of a photoelectrochemical solar cell, a DNSC (Dye-sensitized Nano-structured Solar Cell) which could deliver a competitive light-to-energy conversion efficiency and promised sufficient stability for mass production. Material scientists now have focused upon SAMs (Self Assembled Mono-layers) of metal complexes.

This blog recently relayed news that, after 15 years of research, there seems to progress in developing an efficient, dye-sensitized solar cell. Now comes news from the Cool Gadgets Blog (via a lot of different sources) that scientists from the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, Italy have announced a new type of solar panel made with the pigment of blueberries.

Such Graetzel cells that integrate organic semiconductors could reduce drastically the cost of production of the solar panels, which is one of the main drawbacks of this alternative energy source, by eliminating or producing the need for silicon.* It is more than materials cost, however. A roll-to-roll manufacturing process whereby self-aligning semiconductor solution is printed onto a lightweight, flexible polymide substrate, could result in a significantly lower production cost.

*Note: Experiments continue to combine organic and inorganic materials with the hope that they, cellule-mirtillo, can hit the efficiency rates of higher cost, cystalline silicon panels.

Thin Film Flexible Solar Cell


Photo: Global Solar Energy
Cigars, Cigarettes, Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide solar panels

The usage of organic material in the production of what comes under the heading of thin film solar panels thus could accelerate further the adoption of solar power. Industry experts predict that large scale production to meet demand also will lower the cost per watt. “If the technology keeps evolving steadily, though, it looks like that it will start competing directly with standard energy sources.”

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