Application of Carbon Nanotubes to Counter Electrodes of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

In order to search for an efficient counter electrode in a dye-sensitized solar cells, three kinds of nano-carbon materials were examined. When single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used as a carbon electrode, the conversion efficiency of the cells is 4.5%. This value is comparable to Grätzel-type dye-sensitized solar cell (counter electrode: platiun-suputtered fluorine-doped tin oxide) under the same experimental condition.

Charged iodide in chains behind the highly efficient iodine doping in carbon nanotubes

“…Individual Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have some extraordinary properties such as ultrahigh electrical and thermal conductivity [6,7], light weight and high mechanical strength [8], which make them promising for various applications, including solar energy [9], electronics [10], and biomedical technology [11]. However, these excellent properties often drastically diminish in macroscopic form, e.g., films, sheets, fibers, ropes, wires, and cables of CNTs.…”

Photocurrent Response from Vertically Aligned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays

“…SWCNT can be of benefit in several ways. Firstly there has been some evidence that carbon nanotubes can replace platinum as a catalyst because of their high surface area and electronic properties [6][7][8]. However, these SWCNTs are also of interest because they can also act as photosensitive elements themselves [9][10][11][12].…”

Dye Solar Cells: Basic and Photon Management Strategies

“…The same authors reported also a cell with catalyst layer made of Polymeric material such as PEDOT. Saito et al and Suzuki et al reported the application of a chemically produced conducting polymer and carbon nanotubes used as counterelectrode (Saito et al, 2002;Suzuki et al, 2003;Saito et al, 2004). Although the fabrication cost can be decreased in these cases, the conversion efficiency is still relatively low compared to a cell with a Pt based counter-electrode.…”