Recent improvements and arising challenges in dye-sensitized solar cells

Work demand for energy is expected high and finding sufficient route to produce clean energy is an ever more pressing problem. Science had identified the key research challenges if solar energy is to provide a significant fraction of our energy needs. The huge gap between our present use of solar energy and its enormous undeveloped potential defines a grand challenge in energy research. One of the most attractive methods currently being developed is "dye sensitization" in solar cells in order to increase the efficiency of conversion of solar radiation into electricity. Although large improvements in present technology will be required, the review points to progress in nanoscience, in particular as a reason to be optimistic. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.