Fabrication of an efficient solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell

A highly efficient solid-state solar cell (TiO₂/dye/CuI) with improved stability was fabricated by controlling the pore filling of the porous dyed TiO₂ layer with molten salt capped CuI crystals and improving the TiO₂ by necking with ZnO. The molten salt controls the CuI crystal growth and acts as a protective coating for CuI nanocrystals, and necking with the more conductive ZnO improves electrical contact between TiO₂ particles, both contributing to improved cell performance. Cells achieved efficiency as high as 3.8% with improved stability under continuous illumination for about 2 weeks.