Self-powered ion detectors based on dye-sensitized photovoltaics

Autonomous sensing of metal ion contamination in remote environments with high reproducibility and sensitivity could unlock many new applications, but involves trade-offs between compactness, sensitivity, and power provisioning. In prior demonstrations of semi-autonomous sensors, the power source (e.g. a solar cell) was an additional component. Here, we demonstrate a concept, wherein a dye-sensitized solar cell is used for both power generation and sensitive detection of ionic analytes, unlocking a new pathway for ultra-miniaturization and integration.