Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells from poly(ethylene oxide)/polyaniline electrolytes with catalytic and hole-transporting characteristics

Abstract

The pursuit of cost-effective and efficient solid-state electrolytes is a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we present the experimental design of iodide/triiodide (I⁻/I₃⁻)-incorporated poly(ethylene oxide)/polyaniline (PEO/PANi) solid-state electrolytes, aiming at expanding the catalytic event of I₃⁻ reduction from the electrolyte/counter electrode interface to both the interface and electrolyte system and shortening the charge diffusion path length. Except for I⁻ species, the conjugated PANi is also responsible for dye regeneration and hole transfer to the counter electrode. A DSSC with (I⁻/I₃⁻)-incorporated PEO/1.0 wt% PANi electrolyte yields a maximum efficiency of 6.1% in comparison with 0.8% obtained from a PANi-free electrolyte-based solar cell and 0.1% for a PANi-based solar cell.