Economical low-light photovoltaics by using the Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cell with graphene dot/PEDOT: PSS counter electrodes
Journal
Nano Energy
Journal Volume
18
Pages
109-117
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Lee, C.-P.
Lin, C.-A.
Wei, T.-C.
Tsai, M.-L.
Meng, Y.
Li, C.-T.
Ho, K.-C.
Wu, C.-I.
Lau, S.-P.
He, J.-H.
Abstract
Graphene dots (GDs) are used for enhancing the performance of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-based counter electrodes in Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). As compared to PEDOT:PSS CEs, GD-PEDOT:PSS films possess a rough surface morphology, high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity, and low charge-transfer resistance toward I-/I3- redox reaction, pushing cell efficiency to 7.36%, which is 43% higher than that of the cell with PEDOT:PSS CEs (5.14%). Without much impact on efficiency, the DSSCs with GD-PEDOT:PSS CEs work well under low-light conditions (light intensity <13.5mWcm-2 and angle of incidence >60°), such as indoor and low-level outdoor lighting and of the sun while the other traditional cells would fail to work. The concurrent advantage in low cost in Pt-free materials, simple fabrication processes, comparable efficiency with Pt CEs, and high performance under low-light conditions makes the DSSC with GD-PEDOT:PSS CEs suitable to harvest light for a diverse range of indoor and low-level outdoor lighting locations.
SDGs
Type
journal article