Electrodeposition of high performance PEDOT/Ti counter electrodes on Ti meshes for large-area flexible dye-sensitized solar cells

High performance poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) arrays were electrodeposited onto titanium (Ti) meshes to form counter electrodes (CEs) for use in large-area flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The PEDOT growth was controlled by different cyclic voltammetry parameters. The surface feature, resistance, and photovoltaic properties of the PEDOT/Ti CEs based on different electrodeposition conditions were investigated. The obtained PEDOT/Ti CE showed higher electrocatalytic activity for the I3−/I− redox reaction than that of the Pt/Ti CE. The light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of the large-area (100 cm2) flexible DSSC based on the PEDOT/Ti CE reached 6.33%, and a maximum power output of 0.348 W was achieved, under irradiation with a natural light intensity of 55 mW cm−2 measured outdoors. Compared with other materials to prepare CEs, the PEDOT/Ti CE could be suitable for the large scale flexible DSSCs.

► The PEDOT growth was controlled with different cyclic voltammetry parameters. ► The PEDOT with high surface area was electrodeposited on the Ti mesh. ► The PEDOT/Ti CE showed higher catalytic activity than that of the Pt/Ti CE. ► The large-area DSSC reached 348 mW power output and 6.33% efficiency under outdoors.