Highly efficient all solid state dye-sensitized solar cells by the specific interaction of CuI with NCS groups II. Enhancement of the photovoltaic characteristics

Highly efficient all solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were fabricated by the specific interaction of CuI with the NCS groups of the dye molecules and that of the counter electrodes. The counter electrodes were prepared by blending nano size carbon in the PEDOT:PSS dispersion. The counter electrodes were covered with the solution containing guanidine thiocyanate, and heated to give the electrode with larger number of NCS groups. Electrostatic adsorption between PEDOT:PSS and guanidine was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). DSSC were prepared by connecting the NCS groups of the dye molecule with those of the counter electrode with large surface area. The performances of the resulting DSSC were improved dramatically by the increase of the NCS groups on the counter electrode. It is noteworthy that the performances of the cell were higher than that of the cells prepared by the conventional liquid electrolyte. The highly efficient all solid state DSSC are manufactured with inexpensive and low quality materials, and the practical use is promising.

Graphical abstractThese all solid state dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated by the specific interaction of CuI with the NCS groups. The counter electrode with large surface area was prepared by blending nano size carbon in the PEDOT:PSS dispersion. The performance of the resulting DSSC was improved dramatically by the increase of the NCS groups on the counter electrode.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► These all solid state DSSC were fabricated by the specific interaction of CuI with the NCS groups. ► The effective counter electrode was prepared by blending carbon in the PEDOT:PSS dispersion. ► The performance of the DSSC was improved by the increase of the NCS groups on the counter electrode.