A Player Often Neglected: Electrochemical Comprehensive Analysis of Counter Electrodes for Quantum Dot Solar Cells

作者：Milan Riccardo; Hassan Mehwish; Selopal Gurpreet Singh; Borgese Laura; Natile Marta Maria; Depero Laura E; Sberveglieri Giorgio; Concina Isabella^*

来源：ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2016, 8(12): 7766-7776.

DOI：10.1021/acsami.5b11508

• quantum dot sensitized solar cells
• counter electrodes
• solar energy conversion
• charge transfer resistance
• copper sulfide
• treated brass

The role played by the counter electrode (CE) in quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) is crucial: it is indeed responsible for catalyzing the regeneration of the redox electrolyte after its action to take back the oxidized light harvesters to the ground state, thus keeping the device active and stable. The activity of CE is moreover directly related to the fill factor and short circuit current through the resistance of the interface electrode electrolyte that affects the series resistance of the cell. Despite that, too few efforts have been devoted to a comprehensive analysis of this important device component. In this work we combine an extensive electrochemical characterization of the most common materials exploited as CEs in. QDSSCs (namely, Pt, Au, Cu2S obtained by brass treatment, and Cu2S deposited on conducting glass via spray) with a detailed characterization of their surface composition and morphology, aimed at systematically defining the relationship between their nature and electrocatalytic activity.

• 出版日期2016-3-30