Issue 8, 2016

Unveiling iodine-based electrolytes chemistry in aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have recently emerged as promising systems, which can combine low cost and environmental compatibility with appreciable efficiency, long-term durability and enhanced safety. In the present study, we thoroughly investigate the chemistry behind the iodide/triiodide-based redox mediator, which presents – in a completely aqueous environment – several differences when compared to the behavior observed in the conventionally used organic solvents. The speciation of ions, the effect of the concentration of the redox mediator and the type of counter-ion are characterized from the electrochemical, spectroscopic, photovoltaic and analytical viewpoints. Furthermore, we demonstrate that aqueous DSSCs, often assumed as unstable, hold the potential to assure unparalleled stability after five months of aging without any addition of stabilizers or gelling agents, thus envisaging the construction of eco-friendly photovoltaic devices free of expensive, flammable and toxic solvents.

Graphical abstract: Unveiling iodine-based electrolytes chemistry in aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
12 Mar 2016
Accepted
13 Apr 2016
First published
13 Apr 2016
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2016,7, 4880-4890

Author version available

Unveiling iodine-based electrolytes chemistry in aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells

F. Bella, S. Galliano, M. Falco, G. Viscardi, C. Barolo, M. Grätzel and C. Gerbaldi, Chem. Sci., 2016, 7, 4880 DOI: 10.1039/C6SC01145D

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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