Organic solar cells

Abstract

Printable solar cells including dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and organic thin-film solar cells are summarized. Structures, working principles, and recent progresses on these printable solar cells are reported. Printable solar cells are able to be prepared by coatings at ambient temperature and ambient atmosphere. Therefore, reduction of the preparation cost is expected. Solar cells are composed of n-type semiconductive layer (electron collection layer), light harvesting layer, and p-type semiconductive layer (hole collection layer). In dye-sensitized solar cells, these three roles are allocated to each layer, such as porous titania, dyes, and electrolyte (or hole transport layer). Perovskite layers worked as light harvesting layer as well as carrier transport layer for perovskite solar cells. Directions to enhancing efficiencies are discussed from the viewpoint of individual working principle.