There is wide current interest in dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) to harness solar energy.  The unique properties of ionic liquids make them interesting candidates as liquid electrolytes for DSSCs.  They provide low volatility and high thermal- and electrochemical stability compared with organic solvents. However these systems are limited by mass transport properties owing to the high viscosity of ionic liquids.

In their Dalton Transactions Perspective, Mikhail Gorlov and Lars Kloo discuss recent developments in the application of ionic liquids as solvents or components of electrolytes for DSSCs.  This article reviews the first generation and fundamental studies in this area. 

Future work, the authors say, will search for new dyes, redox agents and electrode materials in order to fully exploit the potential of ionic liquid electrolytes.