11% efficiency solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with copper(II/I) hole transport materials.

ABSTRACT: Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells currently suffer from issues such as inadequate nanopore filling, low conductivity and crystallization of hole-transport materials infiltrated in the mesoscopic TiO₂ scaffolds, leading to low performances. Here we report a record 11% stable solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell under standard air mass 1.5 global using a hole-transport material composed of a blend of [Cu (4,4',6,6'-tetramethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)₂](bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide)₂ and [Cu (4,4',6,6'-tetramethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)₂](bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). The amorphous Cu(II/I) conductors that conduct holes by rapid hopping infiltrated in a 6.5??m-thick mesoscopic TiO₂ scaffold are crucial for achieving such high efficiency. Using time-resolved laser photolysis, we determine the time constants for electron injection from the photoexcited sensitizers Y123 into the TiO₂ and regeneration of the Y123 by Cu(I) to be 25?ps and 3.2??s, respectively. Our work will foster the development of low-cost solid-state photovoltaic based on transition metal complexes as hole conductors.

SUBMITTER: Cao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5472710 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature