Electrodeposited cobalt-copper sulfide counter electrodes for highly efficient quantum dot sensitized solar cells. (20th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Givalou, Lida; Antoniadou, Maria; Perganti, Dorothea; Giannouri, Maria; Karagianni, Chaido-Stefania; Kontos, Athanassios G.; Falaras, Polycarpos
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 210(2016)
• Page Start: 630
• Page End: 638
• Publication Date: 2016-08-20
• Subjects: composite CoS-CuS -- counter electrodes -- CdS/CdSe quantum dots -- nanocrystalline TiO2 -- Quantum dot solar cells; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.05.191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Abstract: A series of novel composite Cobalt-Copper Sulfide (CoS-CuS) counter electrodes were developed for Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSCs) based on core-shell cadmium sulfide-cadmium selenide quantum dots. The new electrodes were prepared by one-step electrodeposition from an aqueous solution containing cobalt chloride (CoCl2 ·6H2 O), copper chloride (CuCl2 ·2H2 O) and thiourea. The composite electrodes present rough morphology consisting of CuS agglomerates on a CoS continuous nanowire network, allowing easy electron transfer across the CE-electrolyte interface. The corresponding QDSSCs demonstrate power conversion efficiencies (PCE) exceeding 5%, under one sun illumination. By increasing the mesoporous layer thickness, adding a scattering layer and adjusting the QDs deposition conditions, a PCE as high as 7.49% was obtained. These very promising results further justify and account for the innovative character of the composite CoS-CuS counter electrodes.