Light cured networks containing metal organic frameworks as efficient and durable polymer electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells

We describe the preparation of a polymer composite containing Mg-based metal-organic framework (MOF) through a rapid and environmental friendly UV-induced free-radical process. The composite is used as electrolyte for quasi-solid dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): noticeable solar energy conversion efficiencies were obtained (Eff = 4.8%), together with a outstanding long-term durability. Besides being an effective candidate for the enhancement of DSSC performances, this first ever MOF-based polymeric composite proves to be potentially exploitable also for other applications, e.g. in the field of supported catalysis.