Laminating solution-processed silver nanowire mesh electrodes onto solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Solution processed silver nanowire meshes (Ag NWs) were laminated on top of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ss-DSCs) as a reflective counter electrode. Ag NWs were deposited in <1 min and were less reflective compared to evaporated Ag controls; however, AgNW ss-DSC devices consistently had higher fill factors (0.6 versus 0.69), resulting in comparable power conversion efficiencies (2.7%) compared to thermally evaporated Ag control (2.8%). Laminated Ag NW electrodes enable higher throughput manufacturing and near unity material usage, resulting in a cheaper alternative to thermally evaporated electrodes.

Graphical abstractSolution processed silver nanowire meshes (Ag NWs) were laminated on top of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ss-DSCs) as a reflective counter electrode. Laminated Ag NW electrodes enable higher throughput manufacturing and near unity material usage, resulting in a cheaper alternative to thermally evaporated electrodes. Ag NWs were deposited in < 1 minute and were less reflective compared to evaporated Ag controls; however, AgNW ss-DSC devices consistently had higher Fill Factors resulting in comparable power conversion efficiencies compared to thermally evaporated Ag control.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Laminated Ag NW electrodes enable higher throughput manufacturing. ► Laminated Ag NW electrodes achieve near unity material usage. ► Non-vacuum processing will result in cheaper alternative to thermally evaporated electrodes. ► First demonstration of an alternative counter electrode in ss-DSCs.