Multifunctional graphene incorporated conducting gel electrolytes in enhancing photovoltaic performances of quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

• Graphene, graphene oxide, or nanographite is incorporated into microporous PAA-CTAB matrix.
• The electrocatalytic reaction of triiodides is conducted into conducting gel electrolyte.
• Liquid electrolyte is driven by osmotic pressure and capillary diffusion.
• An efficiency of 7.06% is recorded in PAA-CTAB/graphene gel electrolyte based DSSC.

Three-dimensional (3D) gel electrolytes are versatile in elevating encapsulation of liquid electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), however, the poor contact at gel electrolyte/Pt counter electrode interface is unfavorable in electrocatalyzing triiodide ions. In the current work, we report the multifunctions of graphene, graphene oxide, or nanographite incorporated microporous poly(acrylic acid)-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (PAA-CTAB) conducting gel electrolytes in both sealing liquid electrolyte and conducting refluxed electrons (electrons from external circuit to Pt counter electrode) into 3D framework of the conducting gel electrolyte, aiming at elevating liquid electrolyte content in per unit volume of gel electrolyte, increasing electrocatalytic area toward triiodide ions and diminishing charge-transfer resistance. The electrical and electrochemical performances of the resultant conducting gel electrolytes are thoroughly characterized. Light-to-electric power conversion efficiencies of 7.06%, 6.35%, and 6.17% are determined from DSSCs using graphene, graphene oxide, and nanographite incorporated PAA-CTAB conducting gel electrolytes in comparison with 6.07% from pure PAA-CTAB based DSSC.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide