Development of a Flexible Molecular Photocell With Up to 20% Conversion Efficiency

This document reports on the main activities and outputs originated under this research project over a period of 3 years. The program was targeted at first realizing a molecular photovoltaic cell based on a dye sensitized nanocrystalline semiconductor film employing a hole conductor, a conducting polymer or a polymer electrolyte reaching an AM 1.5 solar-to electric conversion efficiency of at least 2.5 %, within the first 9 months itself. This milestone was achieved within 9 months by producing solid-state solar cells containing hole conductors, with 2.56% efficiency. Further, a new type of solar cell based on polymer electrolytes was also developed. A typical cell of this type showed 5.06% solar conversion efficiency. All efficiency figures were certified by NREL, USA. In the second and the third years the aims were to reach conversion efficiencies reaching 5 and 10% respectively and these targets have been achieved. Three annual progress meetings to review the progress of the project have been organized during the project duration.