Synthesis and properties of one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures and their integration into dye-sensitive solar cells

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide-band gap II^b-I compound with wurtzite crystal structure, and possesses semiconducting, pyroelectric, piezoelectric, biosafe and biocompatible properties. With these unique characteristics, ZnO becomes one of the most important nanomaterials in scientific research and applications nowadays. The diversity of ZnO nanostructures gives the promising solution to many fields of nanotechnology research, such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). As a low-cost alternative to conventional silicon-based or TiO₂-based photovoltaic, one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanomaterials exhibit remarkable potentials and meet the clean energy demand. The aim of this review is to present a brief overview for the preparation methods and properties of 1D ZnO nanotructures and describe their integration into the DSSCs field. In the end, the perspectives of the 1D ZnO nanostructures applied in DSSCs field are introduced.