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 (-) 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.
Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 (P. R. China).
Qingquan
Q
He
Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 (P. R. China).
Shoushuang
S
Huang
Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 (P. R. China). xfqian@sjtu.edu.cn.
Jiantao
J
Zai
College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu Province (P. R. China).
Nianqi
N
Tang
Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 (P. R. China).
Bo
B
Li
Center for Advanced Photovoltaics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007 (USA).
Qiquan
Q
Qiao
Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 (P. R. China). zaijiantao@sjtu.edu.cn.
Xuefeng
X
Qian
catalysis; counter electrode; dye-sensitized solar cells; nanocrystal ink; silver