Electrochemical Investigation of High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Molybdenum for Preparation of Counter Electrode

摘要

In order to improve the photocurrent conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), westudied an alternative conductor for the counter electrode and focused on molybdenum (Mo) instead ofconventional fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). Because Mo has a similar work function to FTO forband alignment, better formability of platinum (Pt), and a low electric resistance, using a counterelectrode made of Mo instead of FTO lead to the enhancement of the catalytic reaction of the redoxcouple, reduce the interior resistance of the DSSCs, and prevent energy-barrier formation. Using2 electrical measurements under a 1-sun condition (100 mW/cm , AM 1.5), we determined that the fillfactor (FF) and photocurrent conversion efficiency () of DSSCs with a Mo electrode wererespectively improved by 7.75% and 5.59% with respect to those of DSSCs with an FTO electrode.Moreover, we have investigated the origin of the improved performance through surface morphologyanalyses such as scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical analyses including cyclicvoltammetry and impedance spectroscopy.