What is a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)?

    The Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, also known as Grätzel cells,  are a type of third generation solar cell that is low in cost, easy to manufacture and simpler to adjust in order to suit a large variety of applications. This was accomplished by using lower costing materials than the previous silicon based product as well as a simpler production process. Recent studies have shown that the Dye Sensitized Solar Cells can  produce up to 11% efficiency and continued researched shows a possibility for it to become even more  effective.  


 What is a DSSC? 


    Essentially, DSSC's are based on a wide bandgap semiconductor such as TiO2, that has been made highly receptive to light through the use of a layer of dye. The cell consists of four main parts including a photoelectrode composed of a transparent conducting oxide with a layer of TiO2 film,  a counter electrode encompassing another transparent conducting oxide with a platinum catalyst deposited on it, a layer of dye that can be excited by light, and an electrolyte to fill in the voids of the inner cell.

How are they made?
    The first step to manufacture a DSSC on glass it to prepare the photoelectrode. This is accomplished by taking a glass substrate coated with a transparent conducting oxide, such as SnO2:F, and depositing a layer of  TiO2 through the process of screen printing using a firing furnace at about 500° C. This process will remove excess organic residue and create electrical contact. The photoelectrode is then submerged in a light sensitive dye. Simultaneously, a counterelectrode is prepared where another glass substrate coated in a transparent conducting oxide gets infused with a platinum catalyst.   Next, the dyed photoelectrode is sealed to the counterelectrode using a thermoplastic thin film that is placed in between. These three components are then heated at about 150° C and placed under pressure. Once sealed, the voids in the device are filled with an electrolyte through holes in the counterelectrode. To ensure longevity, the cell's holes are filled and the whole cell is covered with glass.


(Information Provided by The Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands, Wikipeida and Dyesol)