Efficient p-type dye-sensitized solar cells based on disulfide/thiolate electrolytes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• P-type dye-sensitized solar cells (p-DSCs) offer an alternative to traditional n-type devices.
• Developing efficient and stable electrolytes is crucial for advancing p-DSC technology.
• Current p-DSCs often rely on iodide-based electrolytes, limiting their transparency and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel organic redox shuttle for iodide-free p-DSCs.
• To investigate the performance of a p-DSC utilizing an organic dye sensitizer, CuCr2O2 electrode, and an organic redox electrolyte.
• To optimize the electrolyte composition and counter electrode for enhanced device efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a p-type dye-sensitized solar cell using an organic dye (P1) sensitizer and a nanocrystal CuCr2O2 electrode.
• Introduction of a 1-methy-1H-tetrazole-5-thiolate (T(-))/disulfide dimer (T2) organic redox couple as a transparent, iodide-free electrolyte.
• Optimization of electrolyte composition and use of a Cobalt Sulfide (CoS) counter electrode.
• Performance evaluation under standard AM 1.5 G light illumination (100 mW cm(-2)).

Main Results:

• Achieved a high open-circuit voltage exceeding 300 mV.
• Obtained an optimal power conversion efficiency of 0.23%.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of the organic redox shuttle in a p-DSC system.

Conclusions:

• The developed organic redox shuttle (T(-)/T2) is a promising alternative to iodide electrolytes for p-DSCs.
• This study reports the highest efficiency for p-DSCs employing organic redox couples to date.
• The findings pave the way for more efficient and stable organic redox-based solar cell technologies.