Bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells with enhanced rear efficiency and power output

Abstract

Pursuing a high power conversion efficiency with no sacrifice of cost-effectiveness has been a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). One promising solution to this impasse is increased light harvesting. Previous efforts in light harvesting have been made on setting blocking layers or reflecting layers, or adding a light harvester, resulting in tedious procedures without reducing the expenses. We present a mild solution strategy for synthesizing transparent Ru–Se alloy counter electrodes (CEs) for bifacial DSSC applications, displaying optimal front and rear efficiencies of 8.76% and 5.90%, respectively. In comparison with pristine Pt-based solar cells, the maximum power output has also been markedly enhanced. Moreover, fast start-up, high multiple start capability, and good stability are observed in the bifacial DSSCs with transparent Ru–Se binary alloy electrodes. The impressive efficiencies along with simple preparation of the cost-effective Ru–Se alloy CEs demonstrates their potential application in robust DSSCs.