Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Consisting of 3D-Electrodes—A Review: Aiming at High Efficiency From the View Point of Light Harvesting and Charge Collection

Directions to high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are reviewed in terms of light harvesting and charge collection. Three dimensional DSCs characterized by a double dye layer electrode, a floating electrode, and a fiber type electrode are proposed. The potentiality of each structure was discussed by using each model cell. Transparent conductive layerless electrodes were the key structures in these cells. Fabrication processes and fundamental performances are reported. Finally, it is concluded that dyes having high photoconversion efficiency in the near IR and IR regions are essential for realizing these tandem and hybrid cells.