Solid‐State Monolithic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Exceeding 10% Efficiency Using a Copper‐Complex Hole Transport Material and a Carbon Counter‐Electrode

Abstract

The continuous growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices operating indoor triggered the development of indoor photovoltaic (iPV) technologies to power them. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Cu‐based complexes as hole transport material (HTM) and organic sensitizers are among the most efficient, safe and sustainable options for iPVs. The typical copper‐mediated DSSCs are assembled in the conventional configuration using PEDOT:PSS counter‐electrodes. In this work a highly efficient solid–state monolithic dye‐sensitized solar cells (M–DSSCs) with a copper‐complex HTM and a carbon counter–electrode was developed. The monolithic structure allows a low‐cost and direct design for producing in‐series modules, which is very attractive for the market‐scale production of iPVs. Typical devices displayed average power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of ca. 9.5‐10 % under 1‐sun simulated solar light provided by a Class ABA LED Solar Simulator. The best energy performing device rendered a stable PCE of 10.4 % under 1‐sun, and PCEs of 26.1 % and 28.5 % under 600 lx and 1000 lx indoor light, respectively. The performance of a typical device was independently confirmed at Fraunhofer ISE, with a certified PCE of 8.7 % using a Class AAA Xenon Solar Simulator (AM1.5G, 25 ºC).This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Stability and Reliability of Dye‐Sensitized Solar‐Cell Mini‐Module for Photocharging Li‐Ion‐Battery‐Connected Internet of Things

“…[29,30] Furthermore, the instability of DSSCs originated from the degradation of catalytic activity of the counter electrode (CE) and thermal decomposition and photo-bleaching of the dye due to the continuous irradiation of sunlight. [9] Although degradation of catalytic activity of the CE can be overcome by using a stable CE [31][32][33] and thermal decomposition and dye photo-bleaching at indoor light are negligible, DOI: 10.1002/solr.202300942 Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)-integrated Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered a promising solution as a wireless power source for the increasing number of miniaturized portable devices and the internet of things (IoTs). However, DSSCs suffer from stability issues because of the using volatile electrolyte solvents that leak through the seal.…”