Graphene-incorporated quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The pursuit of technological implementation with no sacrifice of photovoltaic performances is a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we report an experimental realization of a graphene-incorporated quasi-solid-state DSSC comprising a graphene/TiO₂ anode, a graphene integrated polyacrylate–poly(ethylene glycol) (PAA–PEG) gel electrolyte with I⁻/I₃⁻ redox couples, and a graphene counter electrode. An efficiency of 3.62% is measured under global air mass irradiation for the quasi-solid-state solar cell with a graphene/TiO₂ photoanode, a PAA–PEG/graphene gel electrolyte, and a graphene counter electrode. The new concept, along with promising results, demonstrates the potential application of the new solar cells for cost-effective electricity generation.