Printable ternary component polymer-gel electrolytes for long-term stable dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

ABSTRACT Printable ternary component polymer-gel electrolytes (TCPGEs) including low-volatile liquid solvent, polymer additive, and nano-fillers were prepared for a facile manufacturing of long-term stable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The viscosity range of the TCPGEs was tuned to a similar viscosity range of a commercial paste for screen printing by adding poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, M w =300,000 g mol −1 ) and TiO 2 nanoparticles ( d =∼20 nm). The addition of PEO increased the V OC while the nano-filler facilitated the redox ion transport. Meanwhile, the introduction of nano-fillers significantly reduced the optimum I 2 concentration compared to those of liquid and polymer-gel electrolytes, which is also beneficial for the low light absorption as well as the high durability of a module with metal grids. The DSSC employing the TCPGE of the optimal composition, exhibited the maximum energy conversion efficiency of 9.2% at one sun illumination. In addition, the use of the TCPGEs promised excellent durability under a light-soaking at 60 °C for 300 hrs, which is better than that of the cell employing liquid electrolyte.