Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) offer the possibilities to design solar cells with a large flexibility in shape, color, and transparency. DSC research groups have been established around the worl ...

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Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Molecular self-assembly is the spontaneous association of molecules under equilibrium conditions into stable, structurally well-defined aggregates joined by noncovalent bonds. Molecular self-assembly is ubiquitous in biological systems and underlies the formation of a wide variety of complex biological structures. Understanding self-assembly and the associated noncovalent interactions that connect complementary interacting molecular surfaces in biological aggregates is a central concern in structural biochemistry. Self-assembly is also emerging as a new strategy in chemical synthesis, with the potential of generating nonbiological structures with dimensions of 1 to 10(2) nanometers (with molecular weights of 10(4) to 10(10) daltons). Structures in the upper part of this range of sizes are presently inaccessible through chemical synthesis, and the ability to prepare them would open a route to structures comparable in size (and perhaps complementary in function) to those that can be prepared by microlithography and other techniques of microfabrication.

Molecular self-assembly and nanochemistry: A chemical strategy for the synthesis of nanostructures

Photovoltaic (PV) technologies for solar energy conversion represent promising routes to green and renewable energy generation. Despite relevant PV technologies being available for more than half a century, the production of solar energy remains costly, largely owing to low power conversion efficiencies of solar cells. The main difficulty in improving the efficiency of PV energy conversion lies in the spectral mismatch between the energy distribution of photons in the incident solar spectrum and the bandgap of a semiconductor material. In recent years, luminescent materials, which are capable of converting a broad spectrum of light into photons of a particular wavelength, have been synthesized and used to minimize the losses in the solar-cell-based energy conversion process. In this review, we will survey recent progress in the development of spectral converters, with a particular emphasis on lanthanide-based upconversion, quantum-cutting and down-shifting materials, for PV applications. In addition, we will also present technical challenges that arise in developing cost-effective high-performance solar cells based on these luminescent materials.

Enhancing solar cell efficiency: the search for luminescent materials as spectral converters

Platinum-based nanostructured materials: synthesis, properties, and applications.

Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer-based materials with high water content and physical characteristics that resemble the native extracellular matrix. Because of their remarkable properties, hydrogel systems are used for a wide range of biomedical applications, such as three-dimensional (3D) matrices for tissue engineering, drug-delivery vehicles, composite biomaterials, and as injectable fillers in minimally invasive surgeries. In addition, the rational design of hydrogels with controlled physical and biological properties can be used to modulate cellular functionality and tissue morphogenesis. Here, the development of advanced hydrogels with tunable physiochemical properties is highlighted, with particular emphasis on elastomeric, light-sensitive, composite, and shape-memory hydrogels. Emerging technologies developed over the past decade to control hydrogel architecture are also discussed and a number of potential applications and challenges in the utilization of hydrogels in regenerative medicine are reviewed. It is anticipated that the continued development of sophisticated hydrogels will result in clinical applications that will improve patient care and quality of life.

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25th Anniversary Article: Rational Design and Applications of Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine

Application of microporous polyaniline counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

High-performance polypyrrole nanoparticles counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

High-performance and low platinum loading Pt/Carbon black counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a promising solution to global energy and environmental problems because of its clean energy, low cost, high efficiency, good durability, and easy fabrication. However, the commercial application of DSSCs has been hindered by limited power conversion efficiency. With an aim of significantly enhancing the light-to-electric conversion efficiency, here we pioneer synthesizing polyaniline–single wall nanotube (PANi–SWCNT) complexes using a reflux technique which are employed as counter electrodes (CEs) for DSSCs. Owing to the facile charge transfer between PANi (N atoms) and SWNT (C atoms) by a covalent bond, electrical conduction, electrocatalysis, and therefore conversion efficiency have been markedly elevated in comparison with that of PANi-only CE. The DSSC employing PANi–4‰ SWCNT complex CE gives an impressive power conversion efficiency of 7.81%. The high conversion efficiency, facile charge-transfer in combination with simple preparation, relatively low cost and scalability demonstrates the potential use of PANi–SWCNT complex in robust DSSCs.

Efficient dye-sensitized solar cells from polyaniline–single wall carbon nanotube complex counter electrodes

Rapid charge-transfer in polypyrrole–single wall carbon nanotube complex counter electrodes: Improved photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells

Qinghua Li

Papers

Application of microporous polyaniline counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

High-performance polypyrrole nanoparticles counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

High-performance and low platinum loading Pt/Carbon black counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Efficient dye-sensitized solar cells from polyaniline–single wall carbon nanotube complex counter electrodes

Rapid charge-transfer in polypyrrole–single wall carbon nanotube complex counter electrodes: Improved photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells