Porous Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell by Simple Hydrothermal Method

Abstract

The porous poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PPEDOT) was synthesized with monomer 2,5-dibromo-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (DBEDOT) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) by simple hydrothermal method. The resultant PPEDOT was employed as counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The effect of changing DBEDOT/ZIF-8 ratio was studied and results showed that PPEDOT as CE with DBEDOT/ZIF-8 (1 : 1/3) at 80°C demonstrates comparable performance with traditional Pt (CE) in DSSC. Platinum (Pt) and PPEDOT (1 : 1/3) as CEs showed 5.72 and 5.42% efficiency, respectively. The electrochemical and photo-electrochemical as well as impedance spectra measurements revealed that ZIF-8 as template by simple hydrothermal method is a effective way for preparing PPEDOT (CE) in DSSC, which may open up an alternative choice for the future industrial application. In DSSC, PPEDOT (1 : 1/3) is one of the most promising material used for nano-porous thin film when, it serves as counter electrode due to its appropriate low cost, and easy preparation.