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A 3D polymer-network-membrane (3D-PNM) electrolyte is described for highly stable, solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) with excellent power-conversion efficiency (PCE). The 3D-PNM electrolyte is prepared by using one-pot in situ cross-linking polymerization on the surface of dye-sensitized TiO2 particles in the presence of redox species. This method allows the direct connection of the 3D-PNM to the surface of the TiO2 particles as well as the in situ preparation of the electrolyte gel during device assembly. There are two junction areas (liquid and solid-state junctions) in the DSCs that employ conventional polymer electrolytes, and the major interface is at the liquid-state junction. The solid-state junction is dominant in the DSCs that employ the 3D-PNM electrolyte, which exhibit almost constant performance during aging at 65 °C for over 700 h (17.0 to 17.2 mA cm-2). The best cell performance gives a PCE of 9.1%; this is slightly better than the performance of a DSC that employs a liquid electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly stable, solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cell with excellent power conversion efficiency is demonstrated using a novel 3D polymer network membrane (3D‐PNM) electrolyte. As reported by Taiho Park and co‐workers in article number 1300489, a one‐pot, in situ cross‐linking polymerization on the surface of TiO2 particles in the presence of redox species encapsulates with a thin porous membrane layer and leads to great physical stability for the 3D‐PNM on the surface of the TiO2 electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]