Abstract
In this work, we successfully synthesized aluminum-doped polyaniline in various solvent media using chemical oxidation polymerization, and for the first time, investigated their applications as counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The experimental results (field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis, atomic absorption spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, etc.) showed that critical properties such as crystallinity, conductivity, and surface area of PAni polymers can be controlled through both Al ions and/or solvent media. The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs was evaluated by current density–voltage ( J–V ) and external quantum efficiency measurements. The differences in the conversion efficiencies ( η ) were explained based on the electrocatalytic abilities and electron transfer properties of CEs. Of the CEs in various solvents, the P@6 CE in acetone showed the best electrocatalytic ability and highest η of 5.97%. This is even higher than that of the cell with Pt CE (5.75%). Furthermore, its stability under a prolonged irradiation is somewhat lower or close to the Pt CE, P@6 CE based DSSC showed the characteristics of rapid activity onset, high multiple start/stop capability, and superior irradiation stability. This novel concept—along with promising electrocatalytic activity and facile electron transfer—provides a new approach to enhance the photovoltaic performances of Pt-free DSSCs.
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