Enhanced efficiency via blocking layers at photocathode interfaces in cobalt-mediated tandem dye-sensitized solar cells

Assessing the effect of surface states of mesoporous NiO films on charge transport and unveiling an unexpected light response phenomenon in tandem dye-sensitized solar cells

“…Similar to our observations, other groups have also found IPCE responses from both dyes in the t-DSSCs. 37–39 As discussed above, since the NiO surface states can catalyze the I 3 − reduction, the photo-response from VG1-C8 dyes in IPCE of the t-DSSCs can be reasonably explained by the NiO film working as a counter electrode. However, the photo-response of P1 (400–600 nm) in the IPCE spectra for t-DSSCs is mysterious, as TiO 2 cannot act as a counter electrode to catalyze the I − /I 3 − electrolyte in a p-type DSSC, 28 which is evident from a solar cell NiO/P1(TiO 2 ) that did not show any P1 spectral response in the IPCE spectrum (Fig.…”

“…40 If we considered that the IPCE response of the device without dye is from the electrolyte, then the spectral overlap between the emission of P1 and absorption I 3 À should not be possible. Kim and co-workers 37 used a cobalt-based redox couple in tandem DSSCs with P1 and SQ dyes. The IPCE response from both dyes can still be observed in the tandem DSSC.…”

Recent advances in eco-friendly and cost-effective materials towards sustainable dye-sensitized solar cells

“…On the other hand, this can also favor the recombination reaction with the electrons injected in the VB of TiO 2 , which can be efficiently prevented by the insertion of a nanometric "blocking" layer. 203,204 However, I 2 is often corrosive towards commonly used metals (both at the lab-scale and module-scale levels); 205 in particular, when platinum is used as the CE, iodate can be formed, with a depletion of the active species in the electrolyte. 32 This negatively affects the long-term durability of cells, which is also reduced by the volatility of I 2 , even if this last issue was partially solved by the use of a quasi-solid electrolyte.…”

Advancements in the Development of Various Types of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: A Comparative Review

“…The designed p-n DSSC displays an improved photovoltage comparison to n-DSSC, ensuing in the conversion efficiency of 1.486% overall. This increase can be further enhanced to 1.913% by addition of an optimized NiO [72,73].…”