Solution-derived ZnO nanostructures for photoanodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

Solution-phase derived ZnO nanostructures have triggered considerable interest and become the mainstream route to obtain low-cost and large-scale electrode materials for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The article reviews recent progress in liquid-phase synthesis methods for preparing ZnO nanostructures as the photoanodes of the DSSCs. A few classic paradigms and new advancements in the ZnO nanostructures made by our group are demonstrated. The effects of ZnO nanostructured films with different morphologies, prepared by solution-phase approaches, on the performance of DSSCs are discussed. Finally, various liquid-phase methods of ZnO nanostructure synthesis are summarized and compared to allow further exploration of the ways to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of DSSCs.