Organic Dye Architectures for Photovoltaic Light-Harvesting Applications

据保守预测，到2050年，全球能源消耗将增加两倍，达到30太瓦（TW）;因此，对替代能源的需求势在必行。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能源。目前，基于硅的光伏（PV）是最有效的太阳能转换技术，但它们成本高昂。为了将太阳能市场扩大到TW规模，需要对技术进行重大变革，包括制造可以取代硅的具有成本效益的材料。最有效的下一代光伏电池是染料敏化太阳能电池（DSSC），具有超过11%的总效率和低制造成本。此外，DSSC是光学透明的，并且可以用于包括光伏窗户和涂层在内的广泛的利基市场。增感染料是染料敏化太阳能电池的主要成分。虽然更昂贵的钌金属基染料已获得大部分专利保护，但无金属有机染料由于其相对便宜的合成和可调特性而成为替代品。尽管有这种可调谐性，有机染料的挑战是它们在DSSC装置中的长期稳定性。该研究计划旨在通过一系列目标和项目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特性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DSSC。由于这些计划的目标，化学和光伏社区将获得重要的见解，以最有效的方式收集太阳能并将其转化为电力。通过在学术界和工业界建立战略伙伴关系，这项研究还将推动DSSC技术的应用和商业化。此外，这些项目将为高素质的人才提供宝贵的培训，他们将进一步革新我们新兴的太阳能行业。因此，加拿大和加拿大人将在创造就业机会、可持续性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.