Carbon nanohorn-based electrolyte for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

For the first time, carbon nanohorns were implemented into solid-state electrolytes for highly efficient solid-state and quasi-solid-state DSSCs. They feature an effective catalytic behavior towards the reduction of I₃⁻ and enhance the I₃⁻ diffusivity in the electrolyte. In a final device, solar cells with 7.84% efficiency at room temperature were achieved. As a matter of fact, this is the highest reported efficiency for nanocarbon-based electrolytes up to date.