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A small electron donor in cobalt complex electrolyte significantly improves efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

Author

Listed:
  • Yan Hao

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University)

  • Wenxing Yang

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University)

  • Lei Zhang

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University)

  • Roger Jiang

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University)

  • Edgar Mijangos

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University)

  • Yasemin Saygili

    (Laboratory of Photomolecular Science, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL SB ISIC LSPM, Chemin des Alambics)

  • Leif Hammarström

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University)

  • Anders Hagfeldt

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University
    Laboratory of Photomolecular Science, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL SB ISIC LSPM, Chemin des Alambics)

  • Gerrit Boschloo

    (Centre of Molecular Devices, Uppsala University)

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical approach to solar energy conversion demands a kinetic optimization of various light-induced electron transfer processes. Of great importance are the redox mediator systems accomplishing the electron transfer processes at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, therefore affecting profoundly the performance of various photoelectrochemical cells. Here, we develop a strategy—by addition of a small organic electron donor, tris(4-methoxyphenyl)amine, into state-of-art cobalt tris(bipyridine) redox electrolyte—to significantly improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. The developed solar cells exhibit efficiency of 11.7 and 10.5%, at 0.46 and one-sun illumination, respectively, corresponding to a 26% efficiency improvement compared with the standard electrolyte. Preliminary stability tests showed the solar cell retained 90% of its initial efficiency after 250 h continuous one-sun light soaking. Detailed mechanistic studies reveal the crucial role of the electron transfer cascade processes within the new redox system.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan Hao & Wenxing Yang & Lei Zhang & Roger Jiang & Edgar Mijangos & Yasemin Saygili & Leif Hammarström & Anders Hagfeldt & Gerrit Boschloo, 2016. "A small electron donor in cobalt complex electrolyte significantly improves efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms13934
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13934
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