Novel Solid-State Solar Cell Based on Hole-Conducting MOF-Sensitizer Demonstrating Power Conversion Efficiency of 2.1%

Abstract

This work reports on designing of first successful MOF-sensitizer based solid-state photovoltaic device, perticularly with a meaningful output power conversion efficiency. In this study, an intrinsically conductive cobalt-based MOFs (Co-DAPV) formed by the coordination between Co (II) ions and a redox active di(3-diaminopropyl)-viologen (i.e., DAPV) ligand is investigated as sensitizer. Hall-effect measurement shows p-type conductivity of the Co-DAPV film with hole mobility of 0.017 cm V s, suggesting its potential application as hole transporting sensitizer. Further, the energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of Co-DAPV are well-matched to be suitably employed for sensitizing TiO. Thus, by layer-by-layer deposition of hole conducting MOF-sensitizer onto mesoporous TiO film, a power conversion efficiency of as high as 2.1% is achieved, which exceeds the highest efficiency values of MOF-sensitized liquid-junction solar cells reported so far.

Photoactive Zr and Ti Metal‐Organic‐Frameworks for Solid‐State Solar Cells

“…Among the various possible primary energy resources, solar energy stands out as an ideal candidate owing to its clean, abundant, and inexhaustible nature. Solar cells, which convert solar into electrical energy based on photo‐generated charge separation on a semiconductor, has become a mature commercial technology, the target in this area being the development of affordable materials based on abundant or renewable elements [1] . Therefore, the finding of new semiconductor materials able to harvest the whole sunlight spectrum and exhibiting sufficient stability is highly demanded.…”

Facile synthesis of a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 with reduced graphene oxide hybrid material as an efficient electrocatalyst for nonenzymatic H2O2sensing

“…17,[19][20][21] Moreover, MOFs and their derived nanomaterials are interesting electrode materials and have been used in solar cells, energy storage devices, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and sensors. [22][23][24] Nevertheless, the few adverse properties of MOFs are their poor thermal stability, weak electrical conductivity, and low mechanical strength and unstable nature in aqueous solution, which limit their further use as electrochemical sensors. In recent years, high-conductivity materials (carbonbased materials, noble metal-based materials, transition metal-based materials, etc.)…”

Application of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks as (Photo)Active Material in Hybrid Photovoltaic Technologies

“…al. reported on, for the first time, MOF-sensitized based solid-state photovoltaic cell [147]. More in details, conductive cobalt-based MOFs (Co-DAPV) consisting of Co (II) ions and a redox active di(3-diaminopropyl)-viologen (i.e., DAPV) ligand were investigated.…”

“…Energy level diagram showing the band edge alignment at TiO2-DAPV heterojunction, showing favorable energy cascade for unidirectional charge transfer. Reproduced with permission from[147].…”