Effect of Crystallization of Cu₂ZnSnS_xSe_4–x Counter Electrode on the Performance for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Cu2ZnSnSxSe4-x (CZTSSe) counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are commonly developed with porous structures, but their high surface area could also retard electron transport processes owing to the abundant grain boundaries. Herein, we employed a convenient solution method and a rapid heating process to prepare well crystalline CZTSSe CEs in DSSCs. The influence of crystallization of CZTSSe film on DSSCs performances was discussed in depth. The thermogravimetric analysis, phase morphology, conductivity, and electrochemical characteristics of CZTSSe films were performed. It is found that the rapid heating process is beneficial to the formation of well crystalline film with large grains. As the porosity and grain boundaries in the bulk film are dramatically reduced with the enhanced crystallization, the charge transport process is gradually improved. Using cyclic voltammogram and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, we propose that the accelerating charge transport is of great importance to the photovoltaic performances of DSSCs due to their superior electrocatalytic activities. As the highest cell efficiency was achieved, well crystalline CZTSSe is an efficient CE catalytic material.

Controlling Available Active Sites of Pt-Loaded TiO2Nanotube-Imprinted Ti Plates for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Therefore, it is very likely that the value of R ct would not influence the FF value to a large extent in our case, as supported by some literatures that there is no clear correlation between the values of FF and R ct . [50][51][52][53][54] In fact, some literatures reported that the FF value is influenced by the R ct value, i.e., the larger the R ct , the smaller the FF. [55][56][57][58][59][60] Since there are so many factors to influence the FF, our study suggests no obvious relationship between the values of FF and R ct , which is in good agreement with the previous literatures.…”

“…[55][56][57][58][59][60] Since there are so many factors to influence the FF, our study suggests no obvious relationship between the values of FF and R ct , which is in good agreement with the previous literatures. [50][51][52][53][54] This study reports on the preparation of Ti plates with TNT imprints and their applications on …”

Anion-exchange reaction synthesized CoNi2S4 nanowires for superior electrochemical performances

“…[1][2][3][4] In general, supercapacitors can be classied into electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) and pseudocapacitors on the basis of their charge storage modes. 10,11 Transition-metal oxides, hydroxides, and conducting polymers are demonstrated in supercapacitor applications based on their pseudocapacitive properties. Carbon-based materials such as activated carbon, carbon nanocages and graphene have been widely used as electrodes for EDLCs due to their high specic-areas, good electrical conductivities, long cycle lifetimes and low costs.…”

Solution-Processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Thin-Film Solar Cells Using Elemental Cu, Zn, Sn, S, and Se Powders as Source

“…It can be seen that the CZTS nanocrystal films are more compact and dense compared with the CZTSSe films, which were fabricated by the same solution process. Generally speaking, it is undesirable for the existence of pore in the absorbing layer of thin film solar cell, however, the porous structure was beneficial to form well crystallization and large grain CZTSSe thin films in the following selenization process [31]. To further investigate the phase composition and phase structure of as-prepared CZTSSe film and selenized CZTSSe film, XRD measurements were carried out.…”