A novel gel electrolyte for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

A new kind of gel electrolyte containing only organic solvents and an iodide salt (3-methoxy propionitrile (MPN), aniline (AN) and AlI3) is prepared. Based on a Lewis acid–base interaction between the ionic conductor AlI3 and the organic solvent AN, gel formation is obtained. FTIR analysis of the AlI3–AN hybrid shows changes in the peaks characteristic of the –NH2 group and aromatic ring, verifying the formation of an AlI3–AN complex. The photovoltaic performance of a quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cell with the AlI3–MPN–AN gel electrolyte containing a 3/1 mole ratio of AN versus AlI3 shows improvements when compared to the performance of a comparable solar cell using the AlI3–MPN liquid electrolyte. This suggests that AN can act as an efficient electrolyte additive to enhance both of the photovoltaic performance and the long-term stability of the cell obviously.

Graphical abstractPreparation of a gel electrolyte without the gelling agent for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlight► A novel gel electrolyte containing only organic solvents and an iodide salt was prepared. ► The photovoltaic performance and long-term stability of the cell can be enhanced with the addition of a suitable amount of aniline in the AlI3–MPN liquid electrolyte. ► EIS analysis was used to reveal the intrinsic reasons for the enhanced photovoltaic performance of the QS-DSSC.