Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Built on Plastic Substrates by Low-Temperature Preparation of Semiconductor Films

Printable materials and technologies to realize low-cost dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated on thin plastic substrates are reviewed. Mesoscopic conductive materials and pastes that enable low-temperature coating of electrochemically active films for photoanode and conterelectrode are described in aspects of material preparation, electrochemical and photovoltaic behavior, and stability of the plastic electrode. Performance of plastic solar cells and modules are discussed with respects to the structure and thickness of the non-sintered mesoporous films, light-harvesting functions of dyes, and optimization of electrolyte compositions. Commercial advantages of the lightweight, flexible cell in power generation are also introduced based on proof-of-concept tests with large-area modules.