Printable ternary component polymer-gel electrolytes for long-term stable dye-sensitized solar cells

•Printable polymer-gel electrolytes (PEGs) were designed for a facile DSSC fabrication.•Electrolyte compositions were optimized for printability as well as PV performances.•Optimum I2 concentration was varied by the introduction of nano-fillers.•Printable PEGs promised both the excellent durability and energy conversion efficiency.

ABSTRACTPrintable ternary component polymer-gel electrolytes (TCPGEs) including low-volatile liquid solvent, polymer additive, and nano-fillers were prepared for a facile manufacturing of long-term stable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The viscosity range of the TCPGEs was tuned to a similar viscosity range of a commercial paste for screen printing by adding poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, Mw=300,000 g mol−1) and TiO2 nanoparticles (d=∼20 nm). The addition of PEO increased the VOC while the nano-filler facilitated the redox ion transport. Meanwhile, the introduction of nano-fillers significantly reduced the optimum I2 concentration compared to those of liquid and polymer-gel electrolytes, which is also beneficial for the low light absorption as well as the high durability of a module with metal grids. The DSSC employing the TCPGE of the optimal composition, exhibited the maximum energy conversion efficiency of 9.2% at one sun illumination. In addition, the use of the TCPGEs promised excellent durability under a light-soaking at 60 °C for 300 hrs, which is better than that of the cell employing liquid electrolyte.

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