Progress in nanostructured photoelectrochemical solar cells

The paper deals with basic processes involved in light capture and electron transport through a photoelectrochemical cell consisting of a dye absorber and semiconductor-electrolyte electron transport systems. The use of quantum chemical calculations to characterise and optimise the choice of materials is illustrated by ab initio treatment of a promising organic dye, which in a PEC cell is attached to a nanostructured anatase semiconductor and interacts with iodine redox couples in conventional electrolytes. Progress in understanding the ultra-fast electron transfer between dye and semiconductor surface is presented, as well as preliminary calculations on the effect of the dye molecule being imbedded into a solution.