Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a solar photovoltaic technology that converts sunlight into electrical energy using a sensitizer molecule (usually some dye molecules). As DSSCs are free of expensive silicon, the cost of their manufacture is significantly lower than conventional silicon based solar cells. In spite of the cost advantage, their commercial use has been plagued by the relatively poor chemical stability and low photo conversion efficiency (PCE). However, some recent breakthroughs reporting PCE in the range of 15% suggest that DSSCs can be a low cost alternative to PV technology, especially if its two main expensive components - platinum counter electrode (CE) and ruthenium based dyes - can be replaced with cheaper alternatives. The choice of material for CE is crucial in DSSC performance as its main role is to collect electrons from the outer circuit and to reduce the electrolyte ions by catalyzing a redox reaction. Among others, transition metal chalcogenides (sulfides/selenides) have recently received large research attention as CE material as an alternative to platinum due to their interesting catalytic activity and interesting physicochemical properties. This chapter begins by explaining the basic working principle of DSSC with a special emphasis on the role of CE followed by an overview on the common methods for synthesis of sulfides and selenides-based CE for DSSC application. We then review the literature on current state of art of DSSCs fabricated with sulfides/selenides-based CEs by comparing the output parameters such as PCE, stability, and fill factor. Finally, we summarize overall conclusion and discuss the scope for future research.
Published Version
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