Dual functions of clay nanoparticles with high aspect ratio in dye-sensitized solar cells

We have prepared a quasi-solid-state electrolyte for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that consist of a liquid electrolyte and a synthetic nanoclay in order to solidify a liquid electrolyte and to induce a light-scattering effect to increase cell performance. These clay-based quasi-solid-state electrolytes offer unexpected benefits over liquid electrolyte due to their light-scattering effect. The best DSSC result is a short-circuit current of 15.4 mA/cm(2), an open-circuit voltage of 0.723 V, a fill factor of 0.64, and an overall energy-conversion efficiency of 7.10% at 100 mW/cm(2) [air mass (AM) 1.5]. (C) 2008 The Electrochemical Society.