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Optically Transparent Gold Nanoparticles for DSSC Counter-Electrode: An Electrochemical Characterization
Jessica Barichello1,2, Donatella Spadaro1, Sara Gullace3
1IPCF-CNR, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 9, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a transparent gold nanoparticles electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This novel electrode achieved 80% visible transmittance and demonstrated promising performance, reaching a 4.56% power conversion efficiency (PCE) with a standard electrolyte.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Transparent conductive electrodes are crucial for optoelectronic devices.
- Gold nanoparticles offer potential advantages over traditional thin films.
- Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) require efficient counter electrodes for charge transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a transparent gold nanoparticles electrode.
- To compare its performance as a counter electrode (CE) in DSSCs against traditional gold film electrodes.
- To evaluate DSSC performance using different redox mediators with the novel gold nanoparticles CE.
Main Methods:
- Chemical reduction synthesis of gold nanoparticles.
- Structural characterization of deposited gold layers.
- Electrochemical studies and device performance evaluation in DSSCs.
Main Results:
- A transparent gold nanoparticles electrode with 80% average visible transmittance was successfully realized.
- DSSC devices with the gold nanoparticles CE achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.56% using an I-/I3- electrolyte.
- A PCE of 3.1% was obtained with a homemade cobalt-based electrolyte.
Conclusions:
- Transparent gold nanoparticles electrodes are a viable alternative to gold film electrodes for DSSC applications.
- The developed gold nanoparticles CE exhibits good optical transparency and electrochemical activity.
- Further optimization with different electrolytes could enhance DSSC performance.
