Polypyridyl copper complexes as dye sensitizer and redox mediator for dye-sensitized solar cells

Developments on the application of polypyridyl-based copper complexes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are briefly discussed in this mini review. Copper complexes in solar cells are special in that they can be used either as dye sensitizer and/or as redox mediator (redox couple) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Both the abundance and low cost of copper motivates research on the use of copper complexes, as cheaper and non-toxic alternative to the mostly used iodide/triiodide (I-/I-3(-)) electrolyte redox couple, and the expensive and rare ruthenium-based dyes of good performance, which currently are best known.

Automated summary

This mini review briefly discusses the developments on the application of polypyridyl-based copper complexes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Copper complexes can be used as dye sensitizers and/or as redox mediators in DSSCs. The abundance and low cost of copper make it a cheaper and non-toxic alternative to the commonly used iodide/triiodide electrolyte redox couple and the expensive and rare ruthenium-based dyes.