Modifying the Semiconductor/Electrolyte Interface in CuO p-Type Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Optimization of Iodide/Triiodide-Based Electrolytes

Oliver Langmar, Carolina R. Ganivet, Tobias Scharl, Gema De La Torre, Tomás Torres, Rubén D. Costa, Dirk M. Guldi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Studies related to novel electrolyte concepts for p-type dye-sensitized solar cells (p-DSSCs) set focus on developing alternatives to the iodide/triiodide (I-/I3-) redox couples, while attempts to improve the performance of the latter are scarce. In this study, we report on the first complete optimization of an I-/I3--based electrolyte for p-DSSCs employing CuO-based photocathodes. Optimization of the electrolyte solvent, the effect of ionic liquids, and the concentration-dependent properties of various electrolyte additives were at the focal point. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and intensity-modulated photovoltage and photocurrent spectroscopies complemented basic electrochemical and device characterization, leading to a sound understanding of charge injection, charge recombination, and charge transport. To this end, optimization of the aforementioned parameters enabled 2-fold device efficiencies of 0.156% compared to 0.078% for nonoptimized devices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6388-6400
Number of pages13
JournalACS Applied Energy Materials
Volume1
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 26 Nov 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • copper(II) oxide
  • electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
  • electrolyte optimization
  • p-type dye-sensitized solar cell
  • photocathode

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