(103d) Multiscale Anode Assemblies for Improving Efficiency and Versatility of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The operation and efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are inextricably linked to both light and charge transport/management.  Only incremental improvements in device efficiency have been realized since the pioneering work by Grätzel [1] more than two decades ago despite significant optimization of sensitizer efficiencies.  Improvements in overall device efficiencies tend to be confounded by complexities associated with the multicomponent nature of DSSCs, and demand careful materials engineering to enhance both light and charge transport across these devices.  In this talk we will describe efforts aimed at engineering anode micro/nanostructure as well as active area as means for improving device efficiencies.  We will show how fundamental insight into efficiency enhancements associated with anode-incorporated microlens technologies and confinement of electron transport can be leveraged through assembly of multiscale anode platforms of controlled nano/microscale structure and patterned meso/macroscale ordering.  The scalable manufacture of these multiscale anodes employs techniques spanning convective to electrophoretic assembly.  In combination with device packaging strategies, we will show how these multiscale structured anodes can translate to improvements in overall cell efficiency, and how progress towards realization of more versatile flexible devices can be realized.

[1] O’Regan, Grätzel, Nature, 353 (1991).