Molecular Photovoltaics and Nanocrystalline Junctions

Abstract

Photosensitization of wide-band-gap semiconductors is a promising low-cost photovoltaic technology. We present herein recent advances in photovoltaic devices and related technologies which have been achieved at the Laboratory for Photonics and Interfaces of the EPFL. New photosensitizing molecules have been developed which exhibit an increased spectral response. Semiconductor oxide nanoparticles used in the formation of thin-film photoelectrodes self-organize in a cubic array. Additionally, prototypes of small devices powered by dye-sensitized photovoltaic devices are now appearing.