Cu Complex Redox Couples Open Up New Possibilities for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are based on molecular and nanometer-scale components. Record cell efficiencies of 12%, promising stability data, and means of energy efficient production methods have been accomplished. As selling points for the DSSC technology, the prospect of low-cost investments and fabrication are key features. DSSCs offer the possibilities to design solar cells with a large flexibility in shape, color, and transparency. The basic principles of the operation of DSSCs, the state-of-the-art, and the potentials for future development are described. In particular, we will focus on the recent development of Cu complexes as redox couples. The low driving force (