Porous crystalline ZnO/dye hybrid thin films are self-assembled by cathodic electrodeposition from aqueous mixed solutions containing Zn salt, dye and O₂. These materials exhibit high performance as photoelectrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) because of the high surface area due to three dimensionally interconnected nanopores formed inside of ZnO grains. At the same time, they are well crystallized unlike the conventional electrodes based on sintering of TiO₂ nanoparticles to achieve fast transport of electrons. Because the process requires neither high temperature nor aggressive chemicals, it permits use of plastic electrodes.

We have carried out extensive electrochemical and chemical analysis on ZnO/eosinY hybrid system. We have also carried out structural characterizations that elucidated the internal hybrid nanostructure of the film. Switching of electrocatalytic behavior of eosinY to O₂ reduction was found to be the key mechanism for the evolution of the hybrid materials.

The highest conversion efficiency of 5.6% (AM 1.5) has been achieved when D149 dye (Mitsubishi Paper Mills) is used as a sensitizer. For further improvement, development of sensitizers specially suited for ZnO is necessary. We are developing new organic sensitizer dyes especially for near IR region that could not be utilized by D149.

These solar cells are light weight, flexible in shape and colors. Recent progress in application of colorful plastic solar cells by industrial partners will also be presented.

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