Efficient Counter Electrode Manufactured from Ag2 S Nanocrystal Ink for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

It is generally believed that silver or silver-based compounds are not suitable counter electrode (CE) materials for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to the corrosion of the I(-) /I3 (-) redox couple in electrolytes. However, Ag2 S has potential applications in DSSCs for catalyzing I3 (-) redu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemistry : a European journal 2015-10, Vol.21 (43), p.15153-15157
Main Authors: He, Qingquan, Huang, Shoushuang, Zai, Jiantao, Tang, Nianqi, Li, Bo, Qiao, Qiquan, Qian, Xuefeng
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:It is generally believed that silver or silver-based compounds are not suitable counter electrode (CE) materials for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to the corrosion of the I(-) /I3 (-) redox couple in electrolytes. However, Ag2 S has potential applications in DSSCs for catalyzing I3 (-) reduction reactions because of its high carrier concentration and tiny solubility product constant. In the present work, CE manufactured from Ag2 S nanocrystals ink exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity in the reduction of I3 (-) to I(-) in DSSCs. The DSSC consisting of Ag2 S CE displayed a higher power conversion efficiency of 8.40 % than that of Pt CE (8.11 %). Moreover, the devices also showed the characteristics of fast activity onset, high multiple start/stop capability and good irradiated stability. The simple composition, easy preparation, stable chemical property, and good catalytic performance make the developed Ag2 S CE as a promising alternative to Pt CE in DSSCs.
ISSN:1521-3765
DOI:10.1002/chem.201502337