Highly efficient I2-free solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated with polymerized ionic liquid and graft copolymer-directed mesoporous film

A polymerized ionic liquid of poly((1-(4-ethenylphenyl)methyl)-3-butyl-imidazolium iodide) was synthesized and employed as a solid electrolyte for I2-free solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. The electrode/electrolyte interfaces were significantly improved using a graft copolymer-directed, organized mesoporous TiO2 thin film. The conversion efficiency reached 5.93% at 100 mW/cm2, one of the highest observed values, due to decreased interfacial resistance and enhanced electron lifetime.

Graphical abstractA polymerized ionic liquid of poly((1-(4-ethenylphenyl)methyl)-3-butyl-imidazolium iodide) was synthesized and employed as a solid electrolyte for I2-free solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. The electrode/electrolyte interfaces were significantly improved using a graft copolymer-directed, organized mesoporous TiO2 thin film. The conversion efficiency reached 5.93% at 100 mW/cm2, one of the highest observed values for I2-free solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells, due to decreased interfacial resistance and enhanced electron lifetime.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A polymerized ionic liquid is synthesized as a solid electrolyte. ► The electrode/electrolyte interfaces are improved by organized mesoporous thin film. ► The conversion efficiency reaches 5.93% for I2-free solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.