%0 Journal Article
%T Research and Development Aspects on Chemical Preparation Techniques of Photoanodes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
%A Nilofar Asim
%A Shideh Ahmadi
%A M. A. Alghoul
%A F. Y. Hammadi
%A Kasra Saeedfar
%A K. Sopian
%J International Journal of Photoenergy
%D 2014
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2014/518156
%X The importance of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a low-cost and environmentally friendly photovoltaic (PV) technology has prompted many researchers to improve its efficiency and durability. The realization of these goals is impossible without taking into account the importance of the materials in DSSCs, so the focus on the preparation/deposition methods is essential. These methods can be either chemical or physical. In this study, the chemical applied methods that utilize chemical reaction to synthesize and deposit the materials are covered and categorized according to their gas phase and liquid phase precursors. Film processing techniques that can be used to enhance the materials' properties postpreparation are also included for further evaluation in this study. However, there is a variety of consideration, and certain criteria must be taken into account when selecting a specific deposition method, due to the fact that the fabrication conditions vary and are unoptimized. 1. Introduction Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a novel photovoltaic (PV) technology have the potential to compete with other traditional solar cell because they are low-cost and an environmental friendly solar cell. Their low weight, flexibility, transparency, varied color, and superior performance in darker conditions make them more popular and have attracted considerable company investment and government funding. The power conversion efficiency of a DSSC is highly reliant on its materials, which puts them at the forefront of research. However, it is not alone in its importance, as other areas are equally crucial in the quest to realize a stable, efficient, and low-cost dye sensitized solar cells [1¨C3]. Although there are many interesting research findings based on the development of nanomaterial and new hybrid materials [4, 5], there is still room for progress and the solving of different issues dealing with dye sensitized solar cells. The preparation and deposition methods are critical vis-¨¤-vis the properties of DSSC. Weerasinghe et al. [6] have reviewed the technological development of DSSC on flexible polymer substrates, paying attention to factors that are imperative to the preparation of the slurry, film deposition, and electrode processing intended to enhance the mechanical and photovoltaic properties of a device. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the different preparation and deposition methods, which have been used in DSSC, emphasizing their advantages and disadvantages, in order to allow a researcher to carefully choose and optimize a given method.
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijp/2014/518156/