A Player Often Neglected: Electrochemical Comprehensive Analysis of Counter Electrodes for Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Year: 2016

Authors: Milan R., Hassan M., Selopal GS., Borgese L., Natile MM., Depero LE., Sberveglieri G., Concina I.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Brescia, Dept Informat Engn, Via Valotti 9, I-25131 Brescia, Italy; CNR INO, SENSOR Lab, Via Branze 45, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; INSTM, Dipartimento Ingn Meccan & Ind, Chem Technol Lab, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; Univ Brescia, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; CNR, Ist Energet & Interfasi, Dipartimento Sci Chim, Via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padua, Italy; Univ Padua, Via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padua, Italy; Lulea Univ Technol, S-97198 Lulea, Sweden.

Abstract: The role played by the counter electrode (CE) in quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) is crucial: it is indeed responsible for catalyzing the regeneration of the redox electrolyte after its action to take back the oxidized light harvesters to the ground state, thus keeping the device active and stable. The activity of CE is moreover directly related to the fill factor and short circuit current through the resistance of the interface electrode electrolyte that affects the series resistance of the cell. Despite that, too few efforts have been devoted to a comprehensive analysis of this important device component. In this work we combine an extensive electrochemical characterization of the most common materials exploited as CEs in. QDSSCs (namely, Pt, Au, Cu2S obtained by brass treatment, and Cu2S deposited on conducting glass via spray) with a detailed characterization of their surface composition and morphology, aimed at systematically defining the relationship between their nature and electrocatalytic activity.

Journal/Review: ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES

Volume: 8 (12)      Pages from: 7766  to: 7776

More Information: R.M, G.S.S., and I.C. thank Regione Lombardia and National Research Council Project (“Tecnologie e Materiali per lŽutilizzo efficiente dellŽenergia solare”) for partial funding.
KeyWords: quantum dot sensitized solar cells; counter electrodes; solar energy conversion; charge transfer resistance; copper sulfide; treated brass
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b11508

Citations: 16
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