Improving the efficiency of copper-dye-sensitized solar cells by manipulating the electrolyte solution

Abstract

The use of a copper(I) dye, bearing a 2,9-dimesityl-1,10-phenanthroline and a 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dibenzoic acid, was investigated in DSSCs with various electrolyte solutions based on two different redox mediators, namely the common I⁻/I₃⁻ couple and an interesting copper electron shuttle. The experimental results provide evidence of the importance of the redox mediator concentration and the crucial role of additives such as 4-tert-butylpyridine and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide in the performance of sustainable “full-copper” DSSCs, consolidating the way to DSSCs with Earth-abundant components.