Stable ≥8% efficient nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell based on an electrolyte of low volatility -: art. no. 123508

We demonstrate a >= 8% efficient nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell retaining over 98% of its initial performance after 1000 h of accelerated tests subjected to thermal stress at 80 degrees C in the dark. Device degradation was also negligible following 1000 h of visible light soaking at 60 degrees C. This high performance and stable device was realized by using a robust electrolyte of low volatility in conjunction with the amphiphilic ruthenium sensitizer [Ru(4,4(')-dicarboxylic acid-2,2(')-bipyridine)(4,4(')-bis(p-hexyloxystyryl)-2,2(')-bipyridine)(NCS)(2)], coded as K-19, which was grafted together with 1-decylphosphonic acid on the mesoporous titania film acting as photoanode. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.