Application of Carbon Nanotubes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In recent years, carbon nanotubes(CNTs) have attracted more and more attention due to their special electric structure, large specific surface area, hollow and layered structures, extraordinary mechanical and chemical stability properties and their widely potential applications. Especially, CNTs not only have a large electrons-storage capacity, but also show electronic conductivity similar to that of metals. Taking account of their 1D nano-structures and good electrical conductivity, it is reasonable to conclude that CNTs are beneficial to transport the electrons and enhance photoelectric conversion efficiencies of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This review surveys the literature and highlights recent progress in the three possible applications (as counter electrode, anode, and electrolyte) of CNTs in DSSCs, and the mechanism of increasing electron transport and conversion efficiency is analyzed.