NANOMATCELL · NOVEL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTION PROCESSED NANOMATERIALS FOR PANCHROMATIC SOLAR CELLS

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is the leading technology of third-generation solution-processed solar cells with reported efficiencies in excess of 10%. However despite the huge efforts in the last two decades saturation effects are observed in their performance. Efforts so far have been concentrated towards engineering and fine-tuning of the dyes, the electrolytes and the interface of the dye to the electron acceptor, employing titania as the electron acceptor.DSSCs rely, then, on dyes for efficient light harvesting which in turn entails high fabrication costs associated to the Ru-based dyes as well as the use of 10 um thick devices. In addition, optimized titania requires high-temperature processing raising concerns for its potential for low-cost, flexible-platform fabrication.In this project we propose a disruptive approach; to replace titania with a novel electron accepting nanoporous semiconductor with a bandgap suitable for optimized solar harnessing and a very high absorption coefficient to allow total light absorption within 2 um across its absorption spectrum. In addition the deposition of the nanostructured platform will employ processing below 200oC, compatible with plastic, flexible substrates and cost-effective roll-to-roll manufacturing.We will focus on non-toxic high-abundance nanomaterials in order to enable successful deployment of DSSCs with targeted efficiencies in excess of 15% and 10% for SS-DSSCs, thanks to efficient solar harnessing offered by the novel nanocrystal electron acceptor.To tackle this multidisciplinary challenge we have assembled a group of experts in the respective fields: development of nanocrystal solar cells, DSSC technology and physics, atomic layer and surface characterisation and a technology leader (industrial partner) in the manufacturing and development of third generation, thin film, photovoltaic cells and modules (DSSCs).