Organic Dye Architectures for Photovoltaic Light-Harvesting Applications

据保守预测，到2050年，全球能源消费量将增长两倍，达到30太瓦；因此，对替代能源的需求势在必行。一项对我们可再生能源选择的调查显示，太阳是唯一可行的非碳质能源。目前，硅基光伏(PV)是最高效的太阳能转换技术，但成本较高。为了将太阳能市场扩大到太瓦的规模，需要在技术上进行实质性的改变，包括制造能够取代硅的具有成本效益的材料。最高效的下一代光伏电池是染料敏化太阳能电池(DSSC)，具有总效率超过11%和制造成本低的特点。此外，DSSC是光学透明的，可以应用于包括光伏窗口和涂料在内的各种利基市场。增感染料是染料敏化染料的主要成分。虽然价格较高的Ru金属基染料获得了大部分专利保护，但无金属有机染料因其相对廉价的合成和可调性能而成为替代染料。尽管有这种可调性，有机染料的挑战是它们在DSSC设备中的长期稳定性。这项研究计划希望通过一系列目标和项目来开发和扩大有机染料的使用。短期目标包括开发具有增强的光学性能和稳定性的双色染料，而长期目标包括开发具有聚合物电解质的双色染料。作为这些计划目标的结果，化学和光伏社区将获得对收集太阳能并将其转换为电力的最有效方式的重要见解。通过在学术界和产业界内形成战略伙伴关系，这项研究还将推动数字地面通信技术的应用和商业化。此外，这些项目将为高素质的人员提供宝贵的培训，这些人员将进一步革新我们新兴的太阳能行业。因此，加拿大和加拿大将在创造就业、可持续发展和技术进步方面受益。

Global energy consumption is conservatively projected to expand two-fold to 30 terawatts (TW) by 2050; therefore the need for alternative energy sources is imperative. A survey of our renewable options reveals that the sun is the only viable non-carbonaceous energy source. Currently, silicon-based photovoltaics (PVs) are the most efficient solar energy conversion technologies, but they are costly. In order to expand the solar market to the TW scale, a substantial change in technology is required, including making cost-effective materials that can replace silicon. The most efficient next-generation PV cell is the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), possessing overall efficiencies exceeding 11% and low fabrication costs. In addition, the DSSC is optically transparent, and can be employed in a wide array of niche markets including photovoltaic windows and coatings. The sensitizing dye is the main component of the DSSC. While more expensive ruthenium metal-based dyes have received the majority of patent protection, metal-free organics dyes are emerging as alternatives, owing to their relatively inexpensive synthesis, and their tunable properties. Despite this tunability, the challenge with organic dyes is their long-term stability in the DSSC device. This research program looks to develop and expand the use of organic-based dyes through a series of goals and projects. Short-term goals include the development of bichromic dyes with enhanced optical properties and stability, while long-term goals include the development of DSSCs with polymer electrolytes. As a result of these program goals, the chemistry and photovoltaic community will gain significant insights into the most efficient way to collect solar energy and convert it into electricity. Through the formation of strategic partnerships within academia and with industry this research will also advance the application and commercialization of DSSC technology. Furthermore, these projects will provide valuable training for highly qualified personal who will further revolutionize our emerging solar industry. As a result, Canada and Canadian's will benefit in the form of job creation, sustainability and technological advancement.