Modulating interfacial electron transfer dynamics in dye sensitised nanocrystalline metal oxide films

The efficient generation of a stable charge separated state is fundamental to the performance of dye sensitised photoelectrochemical solar cells. In this paper we consider the parameters influencing the kinetics of electron injection and recombination, Our recent experimental data on these processes is reviewed and compared to data expected for simple homogeneous kinetic models. For both charge injection and recombination, such simple models are insufficient to explain experimental observations. The implications of this observation are discussed and possible alternative models reviewed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.