Organic Dye Architectures for Photovoltaic Light-Harvesting Applications

保守估计，到2050年，全球能源消耗将增长两倍，达到30太瓦（TW）；因此，对替代能源的需求势在必行。一项关于可再生能源的调查显示，太阳是唯一可行的无碳能源。目前，硅基光伏（pv）是最有效的太阳能转换技术，但它们的成本很高。为了将太阳能市场扩大到TW规模，需要在技术上进行重大变革，包括制造可以替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），总效率超过11%，制造成本低。此外，DSSC是光学透明的，可用于广泛的利基市场，包括光伏窗户和涂料。增感染料是DSSC的主要成分。虽然更昂贵的金属钌染料已经获得了大部分的专利保护，但由于其相对便宜的合成和可调的特性，无金属有机染料正在成为替代品。尽管具有这种可调性，但有机染料的挑战在于它们在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DSSCs。作为这些项目目标的结果，化学和光伏社区将获得收集太阳能并将其转化为电能的最有效方法的重要见解。通过与学术界和工业界建立战略合作伙伴关系，这项研究也将推动DSSC技术的应用和商业化。此外，这些项目将为高素质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产业。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.