One dimensional CuInS2–ZnS heterostructured nanomaterials as low-cost and high-performance counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Wurtzite CuInS₂–ZnS heterostructured nanorods are synthesized via a seed-assisted synthetic route. Cu_1.94S–ZnS heterostructured nanorods are transformed into CuInS₂–ZnS by reacting with indium ions to convert copper sulfide to wurtzite CuInS₂. The shapes of the CuInS₂–ZnS heterostructured nanorods can be tuned from burning torch-like to longer rod-like by varying the concentration of added indium. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using these heterostructured nanocrystals as counter electrodes had a power conversion efficiency (7.5%) superior to DSSCs made with conventional platinum electrode (7.1%) under the same device configuration.