Premium
Towards Long‐Term Photostability of Solid‐State Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Author(s) -
Pathak Sandeep K.,
Abate Antonio,
Leijtens Tomas,
Hollman Derek J.,
Teuscher Joël,
Pazos Luis,
Docampo Pablo,
Steiner Ullrich,
Snaith Henry J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201301667
Subject(s) - materials science , dye sensitized solar cell , electrolyte , photocurrent , quasi solid , electrode , mesoporous material , optoelectronics , chemical engineering , photovoltaic system , solar cell , nanotechnology , biochemistry , chemistry , ecology , biology , engineering , catalysis
The solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was introduced to overcome inherent manufacturing and instability issues of the electrolyte‐based DSSC and progress has been made to deliver high photovoltaic efficiencies at low cost. However, despite 15 years research and development, there still remains no clear demonstration of long‐term stability. Here, solid‐state DSSCs are subjected to the severe aging conditions of continuous illumination at an elevated temperature. A fast deterioration in performance is observed for devices encapsulated in the absence of oxygen. The photovoltaic performance recovers when re‐exposed to air. This reversible behavior is attributed to three related processes: i) the creation of light and oxygen sensitive electronic shunting paths between TiO 2 and the top metal electrode, ii) increased recombination at the TiO 2 /organic interface, and iii) the creation of deep electron traps that reduce the photocurrent. The device deterioration is remedied by the formation of an insulating alumino‐silicate shell around the TiO 2 nanocrystals, which reduces interfacial recombination, and the introduction of an insulating mesoporous SiO 2 buffer layer between the top electrode and TiO 2 , which acts as a permanent insulating barrier between the TiO 2 and the metal electrode, preventing shunting.