An efficient DSSC based on ZnO nanowire photo-anodes and a new D-pi-A organic dye

Zinc oxide-titanium dioxide core-shell nanowire dye-sensitised solar cells have been synthesised, making use of a recently developed organic dye and iodide-based electrolyte. We have been able to demonstrate a cell efficiency of 2.53% under AM1.5 for our system. Compared to other cells based on vertically aligned, hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowires, and systems of comparable architecture, our device demonstrates one of the highest cell efficiencies to date and is due to the precise control of the semiconductor's growth and the high performance of the incorporated dye. We have carried out complete morphological analysis and have been able to fully characterise the device.