Electrolyte composition, photoelectric converter and dye-sensitized solar cell using same

A photoelectric conversion element, comprising:

• a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye;
• a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode;
• and an electrolyte layer made of an electrolyte composition comprising an ionic liquid including a cation and conductive particles made of a material containing carbon as a main component and excluding an organic gelling agent, the electrolyte layer being provided between the working electrode and the counter electrode;
• wherein an amount of the conductive particles is not less than 0.05% by weight and not more than 10% by weight with respect to a total amount of the electrolyte composition to make the electrolyte solution into a gel.

A dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell, comprising:

• a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye;
• a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode;
• and
• an electrolyte layer made of an electrolyte composition comprising an ionic liquid including a cation and conductive particles including carbon as a main component and excluding an organic gelling agent, the electrolyte layer being provided between the working electrode and the counter electrode;
• wherein an amount of the conductive particles is not less than 0.05% by weight and not more than 10% by weight with respect to a total amount of the electrolyte composition to make the electrolyte solution into a gel.