Unlike the crystalline and thin film solar cells that have solid-state light absorbing layers, electrochemical solar cells have their active component in a liquid phase. They use a dye sensitizer to absorb the light and create electron-hole pairs in a nanocrystalline titanium dioxide semiconductor layer. This is sandwiched in between a tin oxide coated glass sheet (the front contact of the cell) and a rear carbon contact layer, with a glass or foil backing sheet.
Some consider that these cells will offer lower manufacturing costs in the future because of their simplicity and use of cheap materials. The challenges of scaling up manufacturing and demonstrating reliable field operation of products lie ahead. However, prototypes of small devices powered by dye-sensitised nanocrystalline electrochemical PV cells are now appearing (120cm2 cells with an efficiency of 7%).
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