Cost-effective Polythiophene Counter Electrodes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are most promising devices among third-generation solar cells because of low cost, easy production, environmental friendliness, and relatively high conversion efficiency. Counter electrode (CE), which is an important component in DSSCs, functions as an electron transfer agent as well as the regenerator of redox couple. Hitherto, various methods and materials were used to prepare different counter electrodes.Among these materials, conducting polymers have been widely investigated and employed in various applications such as sensors, supercapacitors, energy storage devices, DSSCs and others. In this study, Polythiophene (PTh) conducting polymer was successfully synthesized by electrochemical deposition method, and employed as an alternative to expensive platinum (Pt) CE for DSSC. Besides, PTh conducting polymer was electrochemically deposited via cyclic voltammetry method on FTO substrates. The morphology of the PTh film was characterized by SEM and AFM. Finally, the photovoltaic performance of PTh CE based DSSC was compared with PEDOT CE based device. This new concept-along with promising electrocatalytic activity and facile electron transfer-provides a new approach to enhance the photovoltaic performances of Pt-free DSSCs.